Salakope and Agavedzi, two coastal communities in the Ketu South Municipality of the Volta Region, have been grappling with severe devastation caused by recurrent tidal waves.
In response to their recent plight, President John Dramani Mahama visited the affected residents, offering words of comfort and a firm assurance that the government is fully committed to resolving the crisis.
During his visit, President Mahama walked through the affected areas, witnessing firsthand the extensive damage to homes, livelihoods, and public infrastructure.
He engaged with displaced residents, some of whom have lost everything to the unrelenting waves. The president expressed deep concern about their struggles, emphasising that the government has not abandoned them.
Addressing the affected communities, President Mahama acknowledged their suffering and reiterated that urgent steps were being taken to provide both immediate relief and long-term solutions.
“I understand your pain and frustration. This is a heartbreaking situation, and I want to assure you that the government is doing everything possible to ensure that a lasting solution is found. You are not forgotten,” he stated.
“We want you to know that government has not forgotten about you, we are going to do everything possible to make sure that we ameliorate the plight that you are going through.”
The president emphasised that tackling coastal erosion and tidal wave devastation required a comprehensive approach, including the completion of the stalled Keta Sea Defense Project.
He assured the residents that advocacy efforts were ongoing to secure the necessary resources for coastal protection interventions.
Residents of Salakope and Agavedzi shared harrowing stories of how the tidal waves have displaced them, destroyed their homes, and disrupted their means of livelihood—especially fishing and trading, which are the backbone of the local economy.
One affected resident, Madam Aku, tearfully recounted her ordeal:
“The sea has taken everything I have. I have nowhere to sleep, and my children have no food. We need urgent help before things get worse.”
Community leaders who welcomed Mahama pleaded for swift government intervention. They stressed the need for an immediate relief package, including temporary shelter, food supplies, and financial support for affected families.
The Keta Sea Defense Project, which was initiated to protect coastal communities from the destructive force of tidal waves, has stalled over the years. Many believe that the delay has worsened the vulnerability of Salakope, Agavedzi, and other nearby towns.
President Mahama acknowledged these concerns and assured residents that discussions were ongoing at the highest level to ensure the resumption and completion of the project.
Residents, civil society groups, and local authorities are now calling on the government to prioritise coastal protection projects and to fast-track the relief efforts for those affected by the tidal waves.
They are urging immediate action, including provision of temporary housing and emergency relief supplies, speedy implementation of a coastal defense project for Salakope and Agavedzi and support for displaced fishermen and traders to rebuild their livelihoods
President Mahama’s visit has reignited hope among the people of Salakope and Agavedzi, who have long felt neglected in their struggle against tidal waves. While his assurance that government is committed to resolving the crisis has been welcomed, affected residents remain anxious to see concrete action taken.
The situation in these coastal communities remains dire, and the call for immediate intervention grows louder. The time to act is now before the sea claims even more homes, livelihoods, and lives.
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