Ogulagha, one of the prominent kingdoms in the Niger Delta region, is not only blessed with vast reserves of crude oil and gas but also thrives as a major fishing hub. Despite being home to several International Oil Companies (IOCs) and housing the Forcados Terminal, the people of Ogulagha continue to depend on fishing as an integral part of their economy and culture. The town, located in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, has become a gathering place for fishermen from different parts of West Africa.
One of the most fascinating aspects of Ogulagha’s fishing industry is the significant presence of Ghanaian fishermen. Renowned for their deep-sea fishing expertise, Ghanaians have traveled across borders for generations to partake in the kingdom’s rich waters. Their knowledge and techniques, passed down through centuries, make them highly skilled in harvesting large quantities of Bonga fish, also known as “bonga shad” or Ethmalosa fimbriata. This small, oily fish, found along the West African coast, is a prized commodity, forming the backbone of the region’s seafood trade. Alongside Ilaje fishermen and the local fishing community, Ghanaians play a vital role in ensuring the steady supply of Bonga fish to markets far and wide.
Every day, thousands of women troop into Ogulagha to purchase fresh Bonga fish directly from the fishermen as they return from the sea, creating a bustling marketplace where livelihoods are sustained, and economic activities flourish.
GbaramatuVoice recently visited the community and captured exclusive moments of fishermen returning with their bountiful catches, traders eagerly negotiating prices, and the active trade that cements Ogulagha’s reputation as the true home of Bonga fish.
