Ghana | Fish Assemblage Characteristics along the White Volta River in Northern Ghana
CSIR Scientific Conference 2026
Ghana Academy of Arts & Sciences, Accra, Ghana | 14 to 15 October 2026
Miriam Ameworwor, Emmanuel Tetteh-Doku Mensah, Acheampong Addo, Yaa Asabea Agadzi, Martin Adepkeya
BACKGROUND Freshwater fisheries contribute significantly to food security, livelihoods and employment in communities dependent on inland water resources. Understanding fish diversity, species composition, abundance and condition is essential for sustainable fisheries management.
OBJECTIVES This study assessed fish diversity and assemblage characteristics at Dipale and Nawuni along the White Volta River in northern Ghana.
METHODS Samples were collected monthly from fisherfolk at both landing sites for six months (August 2025–January 2026). Specimens were randomly selected from fish landed by individual fishers, identified to species level, and measured for standard length, total length and body weight. A total of 992 individuals (605 at Dipale and 387 at Nawuni) were recorded. These fish populations were categorized 44 fish species across the two sites, with 40 species observed at Dipale and 37 at Nawuni. PRIMER version 6.1.6 was used to estimate species diversity, richness and evenness, while Microsoft Excel was used to determine the percentage abundance of each fish species.
RESULTS Diversity indices were 6.088 and 6.041 at Dipale and Nawuni, indicating varied fish species and the White Volta River's ecological importance. Marcusenius abadii dominated at Dipale (17.69%); Synodontis schall at Nawuni (15.50%). Some species occurred at both sites, others at one, showing community differences. Lates niloticus, Mormyrus rume and Bagrus docmak were relatively larger. pH, Dissolved Oxygen, conductivity and temperature were similar across sites. Turbidity was higher from August to October (164–807 NTU), lower from November to January (45–60 NTU).
CONCLUSION These measurements support fish production and survival of freshwater ecosystems. Condition factor of fish populations also varied among species, although most exhibited moderate to good condition. Furthermore, findings provide an updated baseline for comparison with previous assessments of the White Volta fishery and highlight temporal and spatial variation in fish assemblages at Nawuni and Dipale. Continued monitoring is recommended to support sustainable fisheries management.
KEYWORDS Freshwater fisheries; Fish assemblage; Size structure; Condition factor; White Volta River
