This briefing document compiles information from various sources to provide a comprehensive overview of Kpeshie, Ghana. It covers the town's history, cultural significance, geographic location, environmental concerns, and administrative evolution.
1. Historical and Cultural Context:
Origins: Kpeshie was founded by the Ga people in the 17th century, who migrated from present-day Togo in the 16th century. The Ga settled in various parts of what is now Ghana, including the Accra plains, where they established numerous communities.
European Contact: The Portuguese were the first Europeans to arrive in the region in the 15th century, establishing trade relations with the Ga people, exchanging goods for gold and ivory. Later, the Dutch built Fort Crèvecœur (Ussher Fort) nearby, which was used to regulate the slave trade. This demonstrates the early integration of Kpeshie and the surrounding area into global trading networks.
Colonial Period: Kpeshie became part of the Gold Coast colony under British rule and was considered crucial to the colony's development due to its role as a trading hub.
Festivals: Kpeshie is culturally rich, with numerous festivals celebrated by the Ga-Dangme people, including:
Homowo Festival: The most significant festival, marking the end of the hunger period and the start of the new yam season. Celebrated in August, it involves the sprinkling of "kpoikpoi" and ancestral offerings.
Ngmayem Festival: A harvest festival celebrated in March/April to thank the gods for a successful harvest.
Kpledjoo Festival: Celebrated in December for reflection and renewal, including cleansing rituals.
GbiÉ› Festival: Also known as Asafotufiam Festival in August which honours warriors with military displays.
Tejoo Festival: Celebrated in May/June to honour the deities of the sea with beach rituals.
AkplekÉ› Festival: Celebrated in October/November dedicated to the youth and Ga-Dangme language, featuring cultural displays.
Cultural Traditions: Traditional music, drumming and dancing are integral to Kpeshie’s cultural identity, regularly featured at festivals and cultural events.
2. Geographic Location and Environment:
Coordinates: Kpeshie is located at approximately 5.593222° N latitude and -0.140138° W longitude.
Coastal Location: It is a coastal city in the vicinity of Accra, Ghana.
Kpeshie Lagoon: The Kpeshie Lagoon is a key geographical feature, described as being on a low-lying plain between the Teshie Rasta Rd and Ghana International Trade Fair corridors.
Lagoon Characteristics: The lagoon is a shallow, coastal body of water susceptible to environmental changes, with limited water circulation. It’s described as being divided into two parts by recent road construction.
Environmental Concerns: The lagoon is facing significant environmental challenges including:
Pollution: Industrial activities, agricultural runoff, domestic waste, and refuse dumping are major contributors to water pollution.
Eutrophication: High nutrient levels from various sources lead to harmful algal blooms.
Threatened Ecosystem: The lagoon's ecosystem is considered fragile and vulnerable to pollution. Mangroves, which are critical to the ecosystem, are being destroyed and degraded by human activity and proposed development. The original four segments of the lagoon have been severely impacted with two now extinct.
Destruction of Vegetation: Farming, construction, and saltpan construction are destroying vegetation and exacerbating desiccation.
Conversion of Protected Area: A proposed development seeking to change the designated mangrove protected area to a residential and recreational complex is a significant concern. The application for change of use of a 3.22 acre site from mangrove to mixed use has generated a petition from concerned residents.
Importance of Lagoons: Lagoons are identified as critical ecosystems that: support fisheries, protect against flooding, support biodiversity and are a crucial locus of ecosystem services.
3. Socioeconomic and Administrative Aspects:
Economic Activity: Residents are primarily engaged in local small businesses, including industrial and manufacturing activities.
Residential Areas: Kpeshie has large residential areas, known for their multicultural society and high quality of life.
Key Facilities: The city is home to the Ghana International Trade Fair Centre and is near the Kotoka International Airport - Accra. It also has beaches (like Labadi Beach) and shopping malls.
Administrative History:Kpeshie was an area council within the Accra Metropolitan Council until 1989.
In 1989, when the Accra Council became a Metropolitan Council, area councils became metro district councils.
Later, Kpeshie was divided into the sub-metropolitan districts of Teshie, Nungua, and La.
In 2007, Teshie and Nungua were merged into the Ledzokuku-Krowor Municipal District.
In 2017, that district was further split into the Ledzokuku Municipal Assembly and the Krowor Municipal Assembly.
Teshie is described as an independent town within the Ga State that stretches from Kpeshie Lagoon to Teshie-Nungua Estates.
Political Action: Local residents and organisations are actively involved in campaigns to protect the Kpeshie Lagoon from the damaging effects of human activity and development.
4. Key Quotes and References
On the origins of Kpeshie: “Kpeshie was one of these communities, and it was founded by the Ga people in the 17th century.”
On the Homowo Festival: "During the peak of the festival, there is a sprinkling of 'kpoikpoi,' a traditional dish made from maize, on the ground to signify the beginning of the new yam season."
On the geographic location of the Lagoon: "The lagoon is characteristically located on a low lying plain i.e. between Whitller Baracks corridor, on the eastern side and the La -Trade Fair corridor to the west where it forms a marshy zone."
On the state of the Lagoon: “A lot of industrial activities are carried out around the Lagoon and it is being gradually turned into a place of refuse damp."
On the ecological importance of lagoons: "Lagoons are highly productive coastal systems that could provide natural services to the surrounding…"
On lagoon pollution: "Lagoons can also be fragile ecosystems susceptible to pollution effects from municipal, industrial and agricultural runoff."
On the proposed development: "APPLICATION FOR CHANGE OF USE OF SITE FROM MANGROVE (PROTECTED COASTAL WATER FRONT ZONE) TO MIXED USE..."
On the environmental consequences: "Any attempt to destroy the little that is left of the Kpeshie Lagoon will have grave consequences on the La Community and its environs, causing threats to human life as well as nature including aquatic life within the landscape."
Conclusion:
Kpeshie is a town with a rich history and cultural heritage, but it now faces significant environmental challenges. The Kpeshie Lagoon is particularly vulnerable due to pollution and proposed development. Understanding the intertwined cultural, geographical and socioeconomic elements is essential in developing strategies to sustainably manage this area. The need to protect the Kpeshie Lagoon and its fragile ecosystem is paramount to the local community, and local organisations are actively campaigning against further destruction.
0 comments:
Post a Comment
Tell Us What You Think