President John Dramani Mahama on Thursday, March 6, 2025, visited Salakope and Agavedzi in the Ketu South Municipality of the Volta Region, where he assessed the widespread destruction caused by severe tidal waves.
During his visit, the President expressed deep empathy for the affected residents and assured them of the government’s commitment to both immediate relief and long-term solutions.
He acknowledged the urgency of the crisis and emphasized that addressing coastal erosion required a comprehensive approach, including the completion of the stalled Keta Sea Defense Project.
Walking through the devastated communities, President Mahama witnessed firsthand the wreckage of homes and businesses, the displacement of families, and the disruptions to livelihoods, particularly for fishermen and traders who depend on the sea for survival.
Addressing the affected residents, he reassured them of government’s resolve to mobilize resources for coastal defense interventions to mitigate the crisis.
“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.”
The emotional appeals from displaced families painted a grim picture of the situation. Many have lost everything to the relentless waves, with homes swallowed by the sea and livelihoods destroyed.
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, while welcoming the President, urged swift government intervention, calling for an immediate relief package that includes temporary shelter, food supplies, and financial assistance to help affected families rebuild their lives.
The Keta Sea Defense Project, originally initiated to protect coastal communities from tidal wave destruction, has stalled in recent years.
Residents believe that the delay in its completion has left them even more vulnerable to the devastating effects of rising sea levels.
President Mahama assured them that discussions were ongoing at the highest level to resume and complete the project, ensuring that such disasters do not continue to devastate coastal communities.
Meanwhile, civil society groups and local authorities have joined residents in calling for immediate government action, urging the fast-tracking of relief efforts, provision of temporary housing and emergency aid, and accelerated implementation of coastal defense projects to protect communities like Salakope and Agavedzi from future disasters.
