Not long after President John Dramani Mahama’s visit to Agavedzi, a coastal community in the Ketu South District of the Volta Region, the situation remains bleak. The promises made during the visit have not led to the immediate relief the community so desperately needs. High waves continue to ravage homes, roads, and the very land itself, leaving residents clinging to hope as their homes sink beneath the relentless tide. As the waves show no signs of easing, Joel Degue, an environmental activist at the Centre for Natural Resources and Environmental Management (CNREM), is making a passionate plea for urgent intervention.
Speaking with The High Street Journal, Degue’s message was clear: “We cannot afford to wait any longer; declaring a state of emergency is the only way to facilitate the urgent evacuation and resettlement of the affected residents.” His words paint a grim picture of the community’s future, and he stresses that without immediate action, Agavedzi could soon be lost to the sea forever.
A Devastating Situation
Since the President’s visit on March 6, 2025, the community of Agavedzi has seen little change. Waves continue to sweep over the coastline, leaving behind nothing but debris and destruction. Entire sections of the coastline have been wiped out, homes have been swallowed, and roads are vanishing into the water. The Keta-Denu road, a vital link for the community, has also been severely impacted, making transportation and trade nearly impossible.
For Agavedzi’s residents, this ongoing erosion is more than just an inconvenience; it’s a slow, painful extinction of their homes and way of life. Families have been displaced, with many living in temporary shelters or out in the open, battling the harsh elements in overcrowded conditions. The once-thriving community is now struggling to survive as the sea closes in on their homes.
Urgent Action Needed
Degue’s call for a state of emergency echoes the growing sense of urgency among the residents of Agavedzi. “Declare a state of emergency now or risk losing Agavedzi to devastating coastal erosion,” he warned. His plea comes at a time when the community has seen its worst tides in years, compounded by an ongoing storm.
“We cannot stand by and watch as the very land they have lived on for generations is swallowed by the sea,” Degue added. He believes that without the formal declaration of a state of emergency, the government cannot mobilize the resources needed to address the crisis effectively. According to Degue, evacuation and resettlement must be prioritized, and these steps can only happen swiftly with the emergency declaration.
The Struggle for Survival
While immediate evacuation is a priority, the long-term survival of Agavedzi is just as urgent. “A comprehensive, integrated coastal defense project must be implemented,” Degue insisted. Such measures would protect not only the coastline but also the vital roads and infrastructure that are essential to the community’s daily life. Without such defenses, the future of Agavedzi looks increasingly uncertain.
Degue also stresses the need for land reclamation efforts, as the community’s primary source of livelihood, fishing, is being decimated by the encroaching sea. “The people of Agavedzi have lived off the sea for generations,” he said. “We must ensure they can continue their way of life with the protection they deserve.”
Government Response and Challenges
While the government has pledged GHS 200 million for resettlement and GHS 1.3-1.7 billion for the coastal defense project, Degue and other activists are frustrated by the slow pace of progress. “Promises alone are not enough. We need real action now,” Degue stated firmly.
Although organizations like NADMO have provided some relief, such as mattresses and food supplies, many families are still living in unsafe, overcrowded conditions. With around 100 households and 600 people affected, the scale of the crisis calls for a more comprehensive, immediate response.
A Call for Global Support
In addition to the national effort, Degue is calling for international organizations such as the UNHCR and the World Food Programme to step in. “We cannot allow our fellow citizens to suffer in these conditions while others live comfortably,” he said. He proposes establishing temporary shelters and providing essential supplies like food, clean water, and medical care to alleviate the suffering of displaced families.
“It’s a matter of human dignity. These people deserve more than promises; they deserve our support, our resources, and our commitment to their survival,” Degue added.
Agavedzi stands at a crossroad to continue to face the slow, painful loss of their community to coastal erosion, or take immediate, decisive action to preserve their homes and livelihood.
“The people of Agavedzi have lived here for generations,” Degue concluded. “We must act now to protect their homes, their culture, and their future. We cannot afford to wait any longer.”
