By Evans Worlanyo Ameamu, GNA
Fuveme (V/R), April 29, GNA – President John Dramani Mahama has reassured residents of Fuveme in the Anloga District of the Volta Region of Government’s resolve to fast-track long-term coastal protection works to address the destruction caused by tidal surges and sea erosion.
He said the community was part of the World Bank-supported West Africa Coastal Areas Management Programme (WACA), aimed at strengthening coastal resilience and protecting vulnerable communities from erosion and flooding.
President Mahama, who visited Fuveme on Wednesday to assess the extent of damage caused by persistent tidal waves, explained that the project was designed to cover sections of the coastline stretching through Fuveme and adjoining communities, using permanent engineering and environmental solutions.
“The planned interventions will include sea defence structures, groynes to break the force of the waves, and the planting of coconut trees and mangroves to help stabilise the shoreline, among others,” he said.
The President noted that although the WACA project stalled in 2024, work had resumed under the current administration, with assurances that funding would be provided to ensure full implementation for the development and improvement of coastal communities.
He said the project had reached the design stage and that procurement processes would soon begin to pave the way for actual construction.
President Mahama assured residents that Government was determined to fast‑track the process so that visible coastal works would commence soon.
In the short term, he said Government would engage the Volta River Authority to explore dredging the estuary to reduce pressure that contributes to tidal waves breaking into the river system.
“Siltation of the estuary often diverts water flow and increases the likelihood of destructive tidal movements in other coastal areas. This therefore requires urgent action, including dredging as a temporary measure,” he said.
He thanked the residents for their patience and cooperation, stressing that while temporary interventions would be pursued, the long-term solution remained the full implementation of the World Bank-backed WACA project.
Mr James Gunu, the Volta Regional Minister, said the Anloga District had in recent weeks become one of the worst-hit coastal areas in the region, with several communities appealing for emergency relief and lasting infrastructure to prevent further destruction.
He commended the residents, the Assembly Member, Madam Sandra Seyram Kpedor, the District Chief Executive, Mr Richard Kwame Sefe, the Member of Parliament for the area, and other stakeholders for their confidence in the John Dramani Mahama-led administration to deliver lasting solutions to the tidal surge challenges.
The Regional Minister said Government would continue working with relevant agencies to secure the coastline and protect vulnerable settlements from future encroachment.
Togbe Badu IV, Head of the Klevie Clan, whose jurisdiction covers Fuveme and surrounding communities, applauded the President and Government for prioritising the safety of residents and called for swift implementation of the pledged interventions.
Meanwhile, President Mahama’s visit follows growing concern over tidal wave destruction in Fuveme and neighbouring communities, where local authorities and security agencies had repeatedly called for urgent action to safeguard homes and livelihoods.
Some residents, including Mr Raphael Agbanavor, an Assembly Member, who spoke to the Ghana News Agency, said the President’s visit had renewed hope that long‑awaited coastal protection measures would move beyond promises to concrete action to restore safety and stability along the affected coastal belt.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Lydia Kukua Asamoah