Waja

Deep Sea Fishing along the Dixcove Coastline, Western Region, Ghana: Fact or
Fallacy?

Biveridge, Fritz.PhD

Institution of affiliation: University of Ghana, Department of Archaeology and

Heritage Studies

Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies, University of Ghana, P. O.

Box 3. Legon, Ghana.
Email: [email protected]

Abstract
This research presents results of archaeological investigations conducted at
Daazikessie and Ntwarkro, the earliest quarters to be settled by the Ahanta people at
Dixcove in Ghana. Ethno-historical and historical data constituted other data sources
used. The main objective of the research was to establish whether the indigenous
fisher-folks of Dixcove exploited deep or neritic marine resources in the past. The
study established that the indigenes were primarily fisher-folks who exploited both
deep and neritic marine fisheries, and molluscs prior to the arrival of the Europeans in
the early 1550’s. Another notable finding is that fishing which is extant and mainstay
of the local economy, long predated the arrival of Europeans. Other important
vocations undertaken there included the coastal trade with Europeans and molluscs’
exploitation.
Key words: Deep marine resources; Ethno-historical narratives; Post Atlantic
contact period; Pre Atlantic contact period; Molluscs