Yvette Tetteh Makes History: Ghana’s Longest Swimmer and Environmental Activist

Yvette Tetteh, a Ghanaian-British agribusiness entrepreneur, athlete, and activist, has made history by becoming the first person to swim across the Volta River from Buipe to Ada, covering a distance of 450 kilometers. This remarkable feat not only highlights Yvette’s personal achievements but also emphasizes her commitment to environmental activism. In collaboration with The Or Foundation, the expedition aimed to study microfiber pollution caused by textile waste and raise awareness about waste colonization’s impact on the region’s ecosystems. In this blog post, we delve into Yvette Tetteh’s groundbreaking journey and its significance for Ghana and environmental preservation.

A Triumph and Celebration

Yvette’s incredible swim across the Volta River was celebrated with great enthusiasm by a vibrant parade of drummers and dancers along the riverbanks. The local communities joined in commemorating her extraordinary achievement, recognizing the significance of her feat in Ghanaian history. Yvette’s determination and the support from the crowd made the completion of her journey a truly joyous occasion in Ada.

An Expedition for Environmental Awareness

Organized by The Or Foundation, Yvette’s journey was part of an expedition that sought to tackle the issue of microfiber pollution resulting from textile waste. The team embarked on this challenging adventure with the solar-powered research vessel, “The Woman Who Does Not Fear.” Through their research and awareness-raising efforts, they aimed to shed light on the impact of waste colonization on the ecosystems of the Volta River System and Accra. This expedition marked the first-ever deployment of a solar-powered research vessel in Ghana, showcasing innovation in environmental preservation.

Overcoming Challenges

Yvette faced formidable challenges during the expedition, particularly in the final leg where she encountered a strong upstream current caused by the Gulf of Guinea at the Ada estuary. However, her unwavering perseverance propelled her forward, leading to her triumphant arrival at the resort where a jubilant celebration awaited her. Throughout the journey, Yvette and her team, the Swim Team, navigated the Black Volta and Volta Lake, observing the effects of rising waters and connecting with local communities. Despite the difficulties posed by choppy waters and slow progress, their determination and teamwork proved crucial to their success.

Addressing Clothing Waste in Ghana

The expedition builds upon The Or Foundation’s extensive scientific research into the environmental impact of secondhand clothing waste in Ghana. Ghana receives an astounding 15 million items of used clothing every week, leading to overflowing volumes of clothing waste and the 2019 explosion of the only engineered landfill in the country. The Agbetsi Living Water Swim expedition focused on investigating the impact of textile waste by collecting water and air samples, adhering to strict protocols, and engaging with local communities. The valuable data collected will be analyzed and shared in the coming months to raise awareness and contribute to finding solutions.

Yvette Tetteh’s groundbreaking swim across the Volta River marks a significant moment in Ghanaian history and emphasizes her commitment to environmental activism. Through her expedition, she has not only achieved a personal milestone but has also shed light on the impact of textile waste and waste colonization on Ghana’s ecosystems. Collaborating with The Or Foundation, Yvette has made remarkable strides in raising awareness and collecting valuable data to address the issue of clothing waste. Her journey serves as an inspiration for future environmental preservation efforts and highlights the importance of individual actions in creating a sustainable future.

Photos of  Yvette Tetteh