The coastal communities of the Volta Region in Ghana are grappling with a devastating and persistent crisis: relentless sea erosion that has, for over a decade, steadily devoured homes, livelihoods, and the very land upon which these communities are built. The escalating crisis reached a boiling point following consecutive tidal waves on a Sunday and Monday, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake, further eroding the coastline, destroying homes, displacing families, and damaging critical infrastructure, including the Keta-Aflao highway. Fueled by mounting frustration and a deep sense of abandonment, residents took to the streets, blockading the vital Keta-Aflao highway, bringing traffic to a grinding halt and stranding countless commuters. This desperate act of protest underscores the urgency of the situation and the residents’ plea for government intervention.
The affected communities, including Salakope, Amutinu, and Agavedzi, have witnessed a slow-motion catastrophe unfold over the past decade. The relentless advance of the sea has claimed hundreds of homes since 2012, rendering thousands homeless and forcing them to seek refuge in neighboring villages or temporary shelters provided by the government. The recent tidal waves have exacerbated an already dire situation, pushing these communities to the brink and igniting the flames of protest. The residents’ primary grievance lies in what they perceive as the government’s unfulfilled promises and prolonged delays in commencing Phase II of the Blekusu Sea Defense Project, a project deemed crucial to safeguarding their communities and livelihoods from the encroaching sea.
The residents’ anger and frustration are palpable. They feel forgotten and abandoned by the very authorities tasked with protecting them. Their pleas for immediate action echo through their words, expressing a profound sense of urgency and desperation. “We want government to act fast,” one resident exclaimed, highlighting the community’s growing impatience with the perceived inaction. Another resident, identified as Gideon, added a poignant note of desperation, “We are appealing to the President and his government not to forget us because we have lost everything. Our livelihoods are gone, our homes taken away by the sea.” These voices reflect the collective despair and the dwindling hope among the displaced communities. While anger fuels their protest, they still cling to the hope that President Mahama will honor the promises made during his visit.
President John Dramani Mahama’s visit to the affected communities in March offered a glimmer of hope. He personally assessed the extent of the damage and publicly reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to addressing the sea erosion crisis. He announced the impending commencement of Phase II of the Blekusu Sea Defense Project, describing it as a “critical step toward protecting the people and securing their future.” This announcement was met with cautious optimism by the affected communities, who saw it as a potential turning point in their ongoing struggle.
However, the weeks following the President’s visit have been marked by inaction and mounting anxiety. The promised sea defense works have yet to begin, and the communities have received no updates on the project’s timeline. Meanwhile, the sea continues its relentless assault, claiming more homes and further displacing families. This perceived inaction has deepened the sense of abandonment among the affected communities and eroded their trust in the government’s promises. The roadblock, a drastic measure born out of desperation, is a desperate attempt to compel the authorities to act before the sea claims more lives and properties.
The residents’ decision to blockade the Keta-Aflao highway is a testament to their desperation and their unwavering resolve to hold the government accountable for its promises. They view the blockade as a last resort, a necessary disruption to draw attention to their plight and force the government’s hand. The stranded commuters, caught in the crossfire of this protest, become unwitting witnesses to the human toll of the ongoing crisis. The roadblock serves as a stark reminder of the urgency of the situation and the devastating consequences of inaction. The future of these coastal communities hangs precariously in the balance, dependent on the government’s swift and decisive action to fulfill its promises and implement the much-needed sea defense project.
