In an incredible feat, Yvette Tetteh, a Ghanaian activist and agribusiness entrepreneur, has achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the first person to swim across the Volta River, spanning a distance of approximately 450 kilometres, from Buipe to Ada. This remarkable journey, which took her 40 days to complete, is equivalent to traveling from Accra to Kumasi, showcasing the magnitude of her achievement.
Yvette’s courageous swim was driven by her strong determination to raise awareness about the escalating water pollution issues plaguing Ghana. As a passionate activist hailing from the Dangme community, she took on the challenging task of swimming through the lengthy Volta River to shed light on the deteriorating state of water quality in the country.
Beyond her activism, Yvette, who is 30 years old and of Ghanaian-British descent, is also recognized as a successful agribusiness entrepreneur. She holds the esteemed position of Chief Executive Officer at Yvava Farms and has been acknowledged for her literary talents, having been awarded the Koffi Addo Prize for NonFiction in 2016.
The 450-kilometer swim served as an integral part of Yvette’s broader initiative known as the Agbetsi Living Water Swim. This project aims to track the impact of textile waste on Ghana’s environment.
Throughout her journey, Yvette diligently collected water and air samples on a daily basis, following the same protocols as the team from The Or Foundation, who were conducting similar research in Accra to raise awareness about textile pollution.
Yvette’s endeavor has brought forth a series of groundbreaking milestones. Her successful crossing of the Volta River marks the first-ever instance of someone swimming across the largest manmade lake globally, an extraordinary achievement in itself. Additionally, her initiative led to the development of the first solar-powered research vessel in Ghana, further highlighting her commitment to sustainable solutions. Moreover, her meticulous study of microfiber pollution along Ghana’s 450-kilometer internal coastline stands as the pioneering investigation in this field.
In conclusion, Yvette Tetteh’s remarkable accomplishment of swimming across the Volta River showcases her unwavering determination and commitment to addressing water pollution issues in Ghana. Her unique initiative not only raises awareness about textile waste but also brings attention to the urgent need for environmental conservation and sustainable practices. Yvette’s pioneering efforts and groundbreaking firsts serve as an inspiration for future endeavour aimed at safeguarding Ghana’s natural resources and fostering a cleaner, healthier environment for all.
This article was culled from Ghana Web
