Agavedzi and Salakope, coastal communities in the Ketu South Municipality, have once again suffered another tidal wave attack over the weekend, leaving residents in distress.
The latest incident, which occurred on Saturday evening and Sunday morning, comes barely two weeks after a similar episode at Agavedzi on January 16. These communities, along with others along the Volta Region‘s coastline, have been battling the devastating effects of perennial tidal waves, which continue to destroy homes, schools, farmlands, and critical infrastructure.
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Mr. Eben Assah, Assembly Member for Agavedzi, has renewed calls for government intervention, stressing the need for urgent relocation of displaced residents. He noted that Ghana Gas had promised to build 100 two-bedroom apartments for victims by December 2024 but had only started work on 10, which remain incomplete.
“We need these apartments completed. Additionally, the continuation of the sea defence project will help tackle this problem. The tidal waves always hit from where the protective groins ended,” he said.
However, Torgbui Emmanuel Anomoo Tettey, Chief Fisherman for Salakope, suggested an alternative solution, advocating for dredging instead of a sea wall.
“As a fisherman, I understand the workings of the sea. Dredging has been used successfully in Togo, Benin, South Africa, and Namibia. The government must act fast because we cannot continue to live in fear,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the Anlo Youth Council has welcomed a commitment from Volta Regional Minister James Gunu to address the issue. Mr Gunu, during his parliamentary vetting, assured that he would work with relevant ministries and agencies to tackle the menace and protect the coastal belt.
