President Mahama to order VRA to implement interim measures to contain tidal surges at Fuveme
Anloga (V/R) Aprilm 2026
President John Dramani Mahama has announced plans to direct the Volta River Authority (VRA) to immediately initiate temporary interventions to mitigate the devastating tidal surges affecting Fuveme and surrounding coastal communities in the Volta Region.
The directive was annouced during an on-site inspection visit to Fuveme on Wednesday afternoon, where Mr. Mahama assessed the extent of coastal erosion and recent tidal incursions that have significantly disrupted livelihoods and threatened settlements.
Addressing residents and local stakeholders, the President outlined an urgent short-term response strategy aimed at stabilising conditions while longer-term solutions are being finalized.
“We will engage the Volta River Authority to undertake dredging of the main estuary to ease the pressure on this side,” he stated.
The intervention follows recent tidal waves that breached the shoreline, spilling into freshwater bodies and worsening the already fragile ecological and living conditions in the area.
Communities have reported extensive damage to property, farmlands, and fishing infrastructure.
Mr. Mahama explained that the proposed dredging of the main estuary particularly around Ada would help regulate water flow and reduce the force of tidal currents impacting Fuveme.
He believes By dredging the main estuary, we can reduce the pressure on the water currents at Ada, which in turn will lessen the intensity of the surge being experienced here at Fuveme,” he noted.
He was, however, quick to emphasise that the dredging exercise is strictly a temporary relief measure intended to provide immediate protection and prevent further destruction as government advances plans for a comprehensive and sustainable solution.
The long-term intervention, he reiterated, remains the World Bank-supported West Africa Coastal Areas (WACA) Resilience Investment Project Phase II (ResIP II), which is designed to offer extensive coastal protection across vulnerable communities along Ghana’s eastern shoreline.
Providing an update on the status of the WACA project, Mr. Mahama disclosed that all feasibility studies have been successfully completed, with detailed project design currently underway.
He added that procurement processes and contract awards are expected to commence in the near future.
“The feasibility studies for the WACA project have been completed. We are now finalizing the design phase, after which procurement will begin and contracts will be awarded for implementation,” he affirmed.
The visit to Fuveme forms part of broader efforts to respond to escalating coastal erosion challenges in the Keta-Anloga and Ketu South enclave, where tidal waves have become increasingly frequent and destructive.
He was accompanied by Mr Armah Kofi Buah, Minister for lands and Natural Resources with other key government officials
The proposed interim measures, coupled with the anticipated rollout of the WACA project, are expected to bring both immediate relief and long-term resilience to affected communities.
He visited Awaomefia Togbi Sri III’s palace after the onsite visit where he assured him and the traditional leaders of the works as he also visited Agavedzi where a similar sea defence project is ongoing.
