“We’ve been forgotten”: Southern Voltarians plead for relief weeks after storm

Southern Volta Seeks Help After Coastal Devastation

Coastal erosion in Ketu South has severely impacted communities. Hundreds of people have been displaced despite promises from the government. Joel Kofi Degue urged officials to declare a State of Emergency. He called for long-term coastal protection measures.

Residents are frustrated by the lack of action after President John Mahama's visit. Coastal erosion has affected areas like Agavedzi, Salakope, Amutinu, and Adina for decades. The problem worsened due to rising sea levels and human activity along the coast.

Agavedzi, once a thriving fishing community, is now facing destruction. Recent months saw an alarming increase in high tides and coastal waves. This has led to over 600 residents losing their homes and livelihoods.

Since March 2025, at least 51 households in Agavedzi have been swept away. Around 300 residents have been affected in various ways. Many fear losing their homes completely by June 2025 without immediate action.

In March 2025, President Mahama visited Southern Volta to assess damage. He promised cash donations and support for the Blekusu Sea Defense Project. However, residents expressed frustration over delayed construction of the sea defense wall.

Local officials also emphasized the need for urgent government intervention. Conditions in Agavedzi have not improved since the president's visit. The sea continues to encroach on land daily.

Residents like Evelyn Setu and Makafui Atayi watch their homes disappear beneath waves. "Every night, the waves are more intense," said Makafui, who removed his roof to prevent collapse.

The Denu-Keta highway is partially blocked by sand from the sea. Some electricity poles are dangerously close to the shoreline. Many victims live in makeshift shelters made from salvaged materials.

Joel Kofi Degue expressed deep frustration about ongoing devastation in Ketu South Municipality. He called for resettlement of displaced residents and protection of critical infrastructure.

Despite promises made during Mahama’s visit, no concrete actions have occurred since then. Communities deserve decisive action rather than just compassion, he stated.

Since the president's visit, temporary relief efforts were initiated but lacked urgency. Shelters were set up in community centers and schools for displaced residents but remain inadequate.

Local assembly members criticized bureaucratic delays affecting project implementation. "We cannot wait any longer for promises," one official stated as homes continue disappearing.

Residents feel that although their plight is acknowledged, no significant progress has been made since Mahama's visit.

Various NGOs and experts have called for faster action on coastal erosion issues. Edward Kwadzo Eddah urged expedited processes from relevant ministries regarding available funds.

External reports highlight increasing threats from rising sea levels across West Africa’s coastline without sufficient protection infrastructure in place.

Experts warn that without coordinated intervention, devastating losses could occur soon along the entire coastal region.

The Some Traditional Council representing affected communities also demands immediate government action on sea defense projects.

Despite recognition of this crisis's severity during Mahama’s visit, urgent help is still needed for Agavedzi and surrounding communities.

In August 2024, NADMO warned that Keta could be lost to rising seas within years if defenses are not completed promptly.

The Ghana Hydrological Authority previously indicated two-thirds of its coast faces erosion risks needing immediate attention.