Yvette Tetteh, the swimmer
Yvette Tetteh, a 30-year-old athlete and activist, has achieved a groundbreaking record as the first person to complete the longest-documented swim in Ghana. Covering a distance of 450 kilometres, Yvette swam across the Volta River, starting from the town of Buipe in the Savannah region and concluding her journey in Ada, located in the Greater Accra raise awareness about the critical issues of textile waste and water pollution.
Yvette embarked on this arduous expedition as a participant in The Or Foundation’s initiative, where she skillfully combined her passion for athletics with her unwavering commitment to environmental activism.
During the journey, Yvette was accompanied by the research vessel “The Woman Who Does Not Fear,” aiming to conduct an extensive study on microfiber pollution resulting from textile waste. The expedition also had the objective of raising awareness about the harmful impacts of waste accumulation on the region’s ecosystems.
The crowd that gathered in Ada to witness the culmination of Yvette’s extraordinary achievement wholeheartedly embraced and celebrated her remarkable feat.
The expedition not only had the potential to set a record for the longest distance kayaked but also showcased the groundbreaking deployment of a solar-powered research vessel in Ghana. This innovative vessel enabled pioneering scientific research on water quality in both the Volta River System and Accra, pushing the boundaries of knowledge in this field.
Yvette faced the final leg of her journey with its own set of challenges, notably the formidable upstream current caused by the Gulf of Guinea at the Ada estuary. However, her unwavering perseverance propelled her to triumph, allowing her to reach the resort where an exuberant celebration awaited her.
The expedition commenced on March 7th with the inauguration of a locally constructed aluminium research vessel. Yvette and her team, known as the Swim Team, navigated skillfully through the Black Volta and Volta Lake, pausing at various towns and villages to witness the impacts of rising waters and establish meaningful connections with local communities. Despite encountering choppy waters and making gradual progress, their unwavering determination and exceptional teamwork propelled them through the entirety of the journey.
The Agbetsi Living Water Swim expedition was primarily focused on examining the impact of textile waste in Ghana. Through a meticulous collection of water and air samples, strict adherence to protocols, and active engagement with local communities, a wealth of valuable data has been gathered. This data will undergo comprehensive analysis and be shared in the upcoming months to enhance our understanding of the prevailing situation.
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