We Buy. We Transport. We Supply.
VOLAKTRA has been developed over many years by logistics, transport, and agriculture specialists with a primary objective of utilizing the waterways of Ghana for the benefit of remote communities as well as the sprawling populations on the coast.
The rationale is to initially carry agricultural produce from the remote growing areas/farmlands (e.g. Afram Plains) to the large consumer markets in the south (via Akosombo). The Afram Plains is a food-growing area with good soil and water access but badly served with land transport which leads to low farm gate prices and high food prices at the consumer markets in the south.
About
Fertile Farmlands. Disconnected Markets.
The Afram Plains is one of Ghana's most productive agricultural regions — rich soil, abundant water, ideal for yam, maize, millet, soya, tomatoes, fish, and livestock. Yet poor road infrastructure has isolated these farmlands for decades. These valuable agricultural areas by the lake and its rivers are largely inaccessible to most vehicles — yet farmers and fishers are living and working here. Typically, farmers won't cultivate more than their family or community can eat, or trade among themselves. It is literally a waste of their time, energy, and funds to grow more — yet the land is highly fertile near the lake and rivers.
The result is a structural imbalance. Farmers receive low farm gate prices. Produce rots. Livelihoods stagnate. Meanwhile, consumers in Greater Accra pay inflated prices for those same goods. Supply is irregular and unpredictable. Market Queens and traders cannot build stable businesses when they don't know what will arrive or when.
"VOLAKTRA was founded to close this gap, not as a transport-for-hire company, but as an integrated trading business that captures the margin by owning the entire chain: procurement, transport, and sales".
Vertical Integration. Water-Based Efficiency.
Consider: if a new road gave rural farmers direct access to a bigger marketplace, their saleable output and crop yields could be increased. This would prosper each farmer, his family, his community but new roads are expensive to build and maintain. However, such a "road" does exist. The waterways that give direct access to the urban markets further south need no maintenance and are never closed. The same waterways can be used reciprocally to convey materials and supplies to the same remote farming communities, leading to their development and prosperity. Waterways become profitable in both directions.
Procure
Purchase directly from farmers at Afram Plains beach landing sites. Quality assessment. Fair price negotiation. Immediate payment — cash or mobile money. Loading in 1.5 hours.
Transport
Own fleet of purpose-built landing-craft vessels. Shallow draft. All-weather. Low fuel consumption. 75km one-way. Maximum 5 hours. 320 sailings per vessel per year.
Supply
Offload at Akosombo in 1 hour. Sell to Market Queens, traders, feed manufacturers, and developers. Northbound return cargo ensures no empty sailings.
Lake Consultancy
Not sure where to start with lake trading? VOLAKTRA also offers consultancy services to help guide you through the process. From legal and regulatory assistance to financial and logistical support, our team is here to help you make informed decisions and achieve your goals.