Mahama assures Ketu South residents of lasting solution to tidal waves

President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his government's commitment to finding a permanent solution to the relentless tidal waves affecting the coastal communities of Agavedzi, Sallakope, and Amutinu in the Ketu South Municipality of the Volta Region.

"We already have a comprehensive report on the situation. The feasibility studies and design for the Blekusu Phase 2 (sea defence) project are ready; we just have to allocate the funding for the project," he stated.

The President made this pledge at a durbar in Agavedzi on Independence Day after touring the flood-stricken areas to assess the extent of the damage firsthand. He assured residents that he would direct the Minister of Finance to include the necessary funds for the sea defence project in the upcoming budget statement.

So far this year, tidal waves have displaced 300 people, destroyed 51 households, and washed away 800 metres of coastal land.

"The government has not forgotten you; we will do everything possible to ameliorate the plight you are going through," President Mahama affirmed.

He attributed the worsening situation to the failure of the previous government to continue the Blekusu Phase 2 project, which was designed to protect Agavedzi, Sallakope, Amutinu, and Adina. He assured residents that the project would soon be revived.

Accompanying President Mahama were ministers of state, Members of Parliament, the Chief Executive Officer of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), Professor Nana Ama Brown Klutse, as well as officials from the EPA and the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO).

Meanwhile, President Mahama criticised the Ghana Gas resettlement project in the area, describing it as "shoddy" and unsuitable for a flood-prone zone. He pledged that once Blekusu Phase 2 commenced, efforts would be made to relocate displaced residents to a more suitable location.

The durbar was attended by chiefs, queen mothers, and people from the entire Some Traditional Area. The Paramount Chief of Some, Togbi Adama III, commended the President’s visit, describing it as a symbol of hope and a testament to his concern for the well-being of the people.

"You started the sea defence project in 2015; if the New Patriotic Party (NPP) had continued it, this would not have happened," he stated. He added that the community now looked to the Mahama-led government for relief.

The Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu, criticised the NPP for failing to continue the project, calling it an act of "absolute wickedness" that had subjected the people to suffering for eight years. Similarly, the Assembly Member for Sallakope, Sylvester Kuma, warned that without the sea defence project, the livelihoods of the people would remain in jeopardy.

President Mahama later presented a large consignment of relief items to affected residents. The donations included 250 bags of rice from the Minister of Roads and Highways and MP for Adaklu, Kwame Governs Agbodza, a substantial cash donation from Engineers and Planners, 500 bags of rice, 200 cartons of cooking oil, 100 cartons of soap, 30 cartons of mosquito coils, and bales of used clothing from NADMO.

Despite the donations, many displaced residents expressed frustration, insisting that relief items were only a temporary solution.

"What we need now is the sea defence wall to protect lives and property and bring back our livelihoods," said Yawo Moayekor.

The 30-year-old mother of three, a trader, lamented that the tidal waves had wiped out her business, and relief items would only last for a few days. Another resident, Josephine Domevenu, said she had no roof over her head and no place to sleep, making it impossible for her to work and provide for her children.

She, however, expressed hope that President Mahama’s visit signalled an imminent solution to the crisis.