By Evans Worlanyo Ameamu
Keta (V/R), Oct. 14, GNA-Togbui James Ocloo IV of Keta, in the Volta Region, has appealed to President John Dramani Mahama to prioritise the implementation of the West Africa Coastal Areas (WACA) programme to protect vulnerable coastal communities from the devastating effects of tidal waves and coastal erosion.
He said the timely implementation of the project would provide lasting protection for residents of Fuveme in the Anloga District and other coastal communities that continued to suffer the destruction of homes and properties due to tidal waves.
Togbui Ocloo, who was the Chairman of a programme organised by the Volta Regional Directorate of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) at Keta to mark the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, made the appeal to President Mahama to help speed up works.
“I am urging the President to fulfil the commitments made to the people of Fuveme and other affected communities, the need for urgent interventions will safeguard lives, property and livelihoods along the coast,” he said.
Togbui Ocloo commended the NADMO for its efforts to educate the public on disaster prevention and strengthen preparedness measures in communities across the Volta Region.
The programme, held under the theme, “Resilience Starts at Home,” aimed to educate the public on the causes of disasters, preventive measures and the importance of preparing adequately for emergencies.
Mr Pascal Agbagba, the Volta Regional NADMO Director, told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) after the programme that the celebration was intended to raise awareness of natural disasters and human activities that contributed to their occurrence.
“The International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction was established by the United Nations in 1989 and observed annually on October 13 to promote global awareness of disaster risks and encourage measures to reduce their impact on communities.”
Mr Agbagba cautioned residents of coastal communities against sand winning, and warned that the practice weakened the coastline and exposed homes, infrastructure and other properties to the destructive effects of tidal waves and coastal erosion.
He pledged that works would soon start on the WACA project, and that President Mahama would do everything possible to fulfill his promises and safeguard the communities along the coast from the devastation of tidal waves.
He said climate change continued to affect weather patterns, while indiscriminate tree felling and other environmentally harmful activities increased communities’ vulnerability to flooding and other disasters.
He urged residents to participate in communal labour, regularly desilt gutters and drains, dispose of refuse properly and avoid dumping waste into waterways to ensure the free flow of rainwater and prevent flooding.
Mr Agbagba said disaster resilience began at the household level and encouraged residents to adopt sustainable environmental practices, including tree planting, wetland protection, water conservation and plastic waste reduction, to minimise the effects of disasters on lives and the economy.
Mr Christian Youngs, the Ho West NADMO Director, who also participated in the programme, urged fisherfolk, farmers and other stakeholders to desist from using harmful chemicals in fishing and farming, warning that such practices posed serious risks to the environment and public health.
He explained that excessive chemical use could contaminate food and water sources, threaten the health of humans, livestock and aquatic animals, and undermine the sustainability of natural resources.
Mr Youngs said disaster resilience could not be imported but must be developed within homes and communities through responsible behaviour, environmental protection and collective efforts to identify and address potential risks before they developed into disasters.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Benjamin Mensah