The coastal communities of Ketu South Municipality in the Volta Region of Ghana faced the devastating impact of tidal waves, prompting an immediate response from President John Dramani Mahama. The waves, which struck shortly before Ghana’s 68th Independence Day, displaced 300 people, impacted 51 households, and eroded 80 meters of coastline. Following his address at the Independence Day celebrations in Accra, President Mahama traveled to Ketu South to personally assess the damage and address the affected communities. His visit underscored the government’s commitment to prioritizing the protection of vulnerable coastal areas from the increasing threat of tidal erosion.
President Mahama’s visit brought to light the unfinished state of the Blekusu Sea Defence Wall Project, a crucial infrastructure project designed to protect the coastline. He recalled that Phase One of the project had been initiated during his first administration, with a feasibility study completed for Phase Two, which would extend protection to communities like Agavedzi, Salakope, Adena, and Amutinu. The intention was for a seamless transition from Phase One to Phase Two. However, the subsequent administration had not allocated the necessary funding to continue the project, leaving these communities exposed to the destructive forces of the sea. President Mahama directed the finance minister to allocate the required resources in the 2025 budget to finally commence Phase Two.
Beyond addressing the long-term solution of the sea defense wall, President Mahama also focused on immediate relief for the displaced residents. He oversaw the distribution of essential supplies to alleviate the immediate hardship faced by those who had lost their homes and belongings. This aid came from a combination of sources, demonstrating a collective effort to support the affected communities. Mr. Ibrahim Mahama, Managing Director of Engineers and Planners and the President’s brother, made a substantial donation of GH¢100,000. Mr. Governs Kwame Agbodza, Minister of Roads and Highways and NDC Member of Parliament for Adaklu, contributed 250 bags of rice. The NDC Volta Regional Caucus also donated GH¢100,000. The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) provided further assistance with 500 bags of rice, 200 cartons of cooking oil, 100 cartons of soap, along with mosquito nets, blankets, used clothing, and other essential household items.
President Mahama assured the affected communities that the government was committed to addressing their plight and would take all necessary measures to mitigate the impact of the disaster. He informed the community that Madam Dzifa Abla Gomashie, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, and NDC MP for Ketu South, was currently on a national assignment abroad. Upon her return, she would engage with the community leaders to facilitate the recovery process. This commitment to collaboration with local representatives highlights the government’s intention to work closely with the affected communities to ensure their needs are met.
In addition to addressing the immediate needs of the displaced residents and initiating the continuation of the sea defense wall, President Mahama also inspected a resettlement housing project in Salakope funded by Ghana Gas Company Limited. This project, intended to provide permanent housing for victims of tidal wave erosion, drew the President’s criticism. He expressed concerns about the quality of construction, deeming it “shoddy,” and questioned the suitability of the location, noting its vulnerability to flooding. He emphasized the need for a more appropriate site for the resettlement project, highlighting the importance of long-term planning and consideration of environmental factors in such initiatives. This reinforces the government’s dedication to providing not only immediate relief but also sustainable solutions for the affected communities.
President Mahama’s visit to the affected areas was accompanied by key government officials, including Volta Regional Minister James Gunu, Minister of Foreign Affairs Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and Minister of Works, Housing and Water Resources Kenneth Gilbert Adjei. Their presence underscored the importance of the situation and demonstrated the government’s commitment to a coordinated response. Notably, Mr. Gunu had spent the night before the Independence Day celebrations with the victims in Agavedzi and neighboring communities, demonstrating solidarity and offering on-the-ground support. This direct engagement with the affected population emphasized the government’s commitment to understanding and addressing the immediate needs of the people. The visit by President Mahama and his team signifies a multi-pronged approach to tackling the crisis: providing immediate relief, initiating long-term infrastructure projects, and ensuring the sustainable resettlement of displaced communities.
