By Ewoenam Kpodo
Aflao (VR), May 17, GNA- Anlo Youth Council (AYC), the umbrella body of the youth of Anlo remains hopeful that communities affected by tidal waves will rise above the challenges posed by the recurring menace.
The tidal wave has been causing destruction and displacement in coastal communities and in recent times, in parts of Agavedzi, Salakope and Amutinu, Ketu South, leaving many without homes, livelihoods, or access to necessities, requiring urgent interventions to mitigate the impact and build resilience.
The AYC believed that with the ongoing and upcoming interventions to address coastal erosion and support affected communities along the Volta Region’s coastline, these communities would not only recover but thrive.
A press release providing an update on coastal protection efforts signed by Mr Godsway Hanyabui, Vice President – Operations, AYC and made available to Ghana News Agency, said engagements with Mr James Gunu, Volta Regional Minister, and the West Africa Coastal Areas (WACA) Resilience Investment Project had been encouraging.
The three-itemised release touched on the continuation of the coastal defence project from Agavedzi to Aflao, support for displaced residents and the WACA project saying, the sea defence project had been captured in the 2025 national budget and that the scope of the intervention would extend beyond the shoreline protection to include land reclamation.
It said the sea defense project was awaiting financial clearance after which a contractor would be officially engaged.
The release said the National Disaster Management Organisation was on the ground providing support to affected persons with the area being prepared for further interventions, and government currently procuring tents to improve temporary shelter arrangements.
“In addition, Ghana Gas is finalising an agreement to support the completion of resettlement units under construction to ensure long-term relocation for displaced households.”
“The WACA team is currently undertaking a comprehensive feasibility study for coastal protection interventions along the Anlo coastline. This process involves the active engagement of stakeholders from the three coastal municipalities of Anloga, Keta, and Ketu South.
As part of the study, a sediment flow analysis is being conducted to inform technically appropriate and sustainable interventions across the affected zones. Efforts are being made to ensure that, upon implementation, no community is left vulnerable to the destructive impact of the ocean,” it said
The release thanked the Regional Minister and technical agencies for their responsiveness and urged all to “continue to remain vigilant, united, and supportive of these efforts to secure our coastline and protect the future of Anlo,” saying “together, we will rise with the tide, not be swept away by it.”
GNA
MA/KOA