Communities affected by the ongoing devastation caused by tidal waves may soon receive relief, as President John Dramani Mahama has directed that provisions be made in the 2025 national budget for a sea defence project in the affected areas. President Mahama made this announcement during his visit to the coastal communities to express solidarity and assess the extent of the damage.
Salakope and Agavedzi, two towns in the Ketu South Municipality of the Volta Region, have recently faced severe destruction due to recurrent tidal waves. In response to their plight, President Mahama visited the affected residents, offering them comfort and reassurance of the government’s commitment to addressing the crisis.
During his visit, President Mahama toured the impacted areas, witnessing the significant damage to homes, livelihoods, and public infrastructure. He personally engaged with displaced residents, many of whom have lost everything to the relentless waves. The president expressed deep concern over their struggles and assured them that the government had not forgotten them.
Speaking to the communities, President Mahama acknowledged their suffering and emphasized that urgent steps were being taken to provide both immediate relief and long-term solutions. He also distributed relief items to support the affected residents.
The issue of tidal waves in Keta and Ketu South is not new but has worsened over the years. Recognizing the escalation of the problem, the Mahama administration, during its first term, initiated the first phase of a sea defence project in 2015. This phase focused on protecting the coastal stretch from Havedzie through Horvi, Blekusu, and Agavedzi. Today, these communities are well protected and no longer face the same threats from the waves.
However, the second phase of the project, intended to cover Agavedzi, Salakope, Amutinu, Adina, and other nearby communities, has faced repeated delays for over six years under the previous government. This has left residents vulnerable to the destructive tidal waves.
The resumption of the sea defence project is critical to ending the devastation in Agavedzi and surrounding communities in the Ketu South district. Traditional leaders and affected residents are urging President Mahama to bring back the contractor who worked on the first phase to ensure a swift start to the second phase.
Satellite images obtained by The High Street Journal show that the communities protected by the first phase of the sea defence project remain unaffected by tidal waves, highlighting the importance of resuming the project.
The annual destruction caused by tidal waves has become a harsh reality for the affected areas. Despite several visits and promises from former Ministers of Works and Housing, little progress has been made. The most recent tidal wave disaster has led to the collapse of homes, the destruction of businesses and graveyards, and the erosion of the only road connecting Anloga, Keta, and other communities to Denu and Aflao.
