Volta Regional Minister, EPA assess tidal wave destruction in Ketu South; call for urgent action
EPA, Government Officials Assess Devastating Impact of Tidal Waves in Ketu South
The Volta Regional Minister, Mr James Gunu, led a delegation comprising a team from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other key stakeholders to assess the level of destruction caused by the recent tidal waves in Agavedzi, Salakope, Amutinu, and surrounding communities in the Ketu South Municipality.
The assessment revealed significant devastation, with approximately 232 houses completely washed away, leaving hundreds of residents displaced. The tidal waves also submerged cemeteries over 100 years old, erasing historical landmarks and deepening the emotional distress of affected families.
The economic impact is severe, as fishing activities—the primary source of livelihood for many—have been severely disrupted. Additionally, essential infrastructure, including pipelines, high-tension poles, and roads, is at risk, threatening public safety and further exacerbating the crisis.
The Chief Executive Officer of the EPA, Prof. Naana Ama Browne Klutse, who accompanied the Regional Minister, used the opportunity to evaluate the extent of the damage and identify immediate intervention measures. She described the situation as dire and highlighted the urgent need for government action.
“As an agency, we are committed to protecting livelihoods, and we shall quickly initiate plans to recommend solutions such as dredging and reinforcement of the sea defence to the government as part of broader mitigation efforts,” Prof. Klutse assured.
As part of immediate relief efforts, Prof. Klutse provided affected families with essential supplies, including rice, oil, tomato paste, and other assorted items. She assured residents that the EPA is committed to protecting livelihoods and will swiftly initiate plans to recommend solutions to the government.
Hon. Eben Assah, Assembly Member for Agavedzi, shared firsthand accounts of the trauma and hardship experienced by residents. He stressed the urgent need for dredging and the continuation of the sea defence project, emphasizing that the previous groin construction has failed to provide adequate protection against rising tides.
Addressing the affected residents, Mr. James Gunu expressed deep sympathy and assured them that immediate measures would be taken to provide relief and long-term solutions.
“I stand with the people affected. As we push for long-term coastal defense solutions, I urge all relevant agencies to prioritise this issue to safeguard the lives, livelihoods, and infrastructure of our coastal communities,” Mr. Gunu assured.
“The sea defence project remains a top priority of the President. The John Mahama government is committed to protecting livelihoods and properties, and this sea defense project is one of his major initiatives for the Volta Region. Rest assured, we will find a permanent solution.”
The visit proves the increasing urgency for comprehensive climate adaptation measures, as tidal waves continue to pose a growing threat to coastal settlements across Ghana.
For several years, residents in the three coastal districts of the Volta Region have suffered repeated tidal wave disasters. They have consistently called for permanent solutions such as lagoon dredging, land reclamation from the sea, and the expansion of the sea defense project to protect the entire Volta coastline from further destruction.
