Ofoe Amegavie is a Ghanaian photographer known for capturing the intimacy in his culture and heritage. Since 2011, he has been working both as a documentary and fashion photographer. He has been able to create his own unique style by applying a curious approach and a spiritual perspective to fine art, fashion and documentary photography.
Between Sand and Water explores the everyday life and resilience of several coastal communities around the Volta Delta in Ghana in the face of environmental and man-made challenges.
Coastal erosion is one the most serious environmental problems on the coast of West Africa, including Ghana in its Volta Basin. According to estimates, the ocean claims 1.5 to 2 meters of the 560 kilometers of Ghana’s coastline annually, with the most severe areas, Ada Foah and the Eastern parts of Keta, recording 4 meters. Both towns are based on either side of the Volta Delta on Ghana’s coast, where the Volta river meets the Atlantic ocean. Fishing is the main livelihood of the coastal communities and a great part of their lives. This geographical area is also home to important mangroves and other aquatic cultures, which the communities depend on economically. For decades, the two towns have been struggling with the changing environmental conditions, which have resulted in loss of land and have affected the communities’ traditional ways of life. One of the long-term effects is the disappearance of coconut palm trees that characterized the beaches in Ada, which have either fallen or disappeared.
Against this background, Between Sand and Water explores the resilience of the communities and how they cope with the consequences of environmental challenges, as well as the relationship between the people, the sea and the land.
About the West Africa Visual Journalism Fellowship
The West Africa Visual Journalism Fellowship supported three emerging photographers to produce a visual storytelling project of their choice in West Africa. The stories were produced during 2019 and 2020, after a short pause because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The three fellows received a production fee of €5000 and a grant of €5000 to help cover their expenses while they were producing their story. Additionally, the fellows took part in workshops and received mentorship through the development of their projects. Three mentors supported and advised the fellows along the way: Emilie Regnier, photographer; Nii Obodai, photographer and educator; and Marc Prüst, visual story editor. Learn more
