Residents of Salakope, Agavedzi, and surrounding coastal communities in the Ketu South Municipality are grappling with the aftermath of severe tidal waves that have caused widespread destruction. Homes have been submerged, properties lost, and local livelihoods disrupted, leaving many residents desperate for urgent intervention.

The tidal waves, which began on February 1 and are expected to continue until February 4, have exacerbated a longstanding issue of coastal erosion that has plagued the region for decades. The threat, made worse by climate change and rising sea levels, has led to increasing concerns over the safety of vital infrastructure, including the Keta-Havedzi-Denu-Aflao road.

Local tourism promoter Joel Deque, a long-time advocate for solutions to coastal erosion, expressed frustration over the worsening crisis. He called on the government to expedite the second phase of the Blekusu Sea Defence Project, which was originally promised to protect an 8-kilometer stretch of the coastline but remains incomplete.

“This issue has persisted for years, but with climate change and rising sea levels, it’s becoming more severe each year. The government must take action, particularly now with the West Africa Coastal Areas Management Program (WACA ResIP 2) in play, which Ghana is part of,” Deque said. “This is a critical moment to act.”

The Keta-Havedzi-Denu-Aflao road, a key transport route in the Volta Region, is now less than 50 meters away from the encroaching sea at Salakope and Agavedzi. Experts warn that if the tidal waves continue, the road could be wiped out, potentially isolating local communities and cutting off essential transport links.

Deque warned that the ongoing spring tide could bring further devastation if immediate measures are not taken to address the crisis. “Our communities are literally being swallowed by the sea. The government must act before lives and vital infrastructure are lost,” he urged.

Coastal erosion has long been a significant challenge in the Ketu South area, with previous tidal waves displacing thousands and causing millions of cedis in damages. While the first phase of the Blekusu Sea Defence Project brought some relief to nearby communities, the second phase, which would help protect more vulnerable towns, has yet to be completed.

The WACA Resilience Investment Project (WACA ResIP 2), aimed at improving coastal resilience across West Africa, presents a potential lifeline for communities in the region. However, residents are calling for faster implementation of this project to prevent further losses.

With mounting pressure from local communities, environmental activists, and stakeholders in tourism, the government is being urged to prioritise the completion of the Blekusu Sea Defence Project and implement long-term solutions to protect Ghana’s coastal areas from ongoing erosion.

Source:TheDotNews