Residents of Agavedzi, Salakope, and Amutinu in Ketu South have welcomed President John Dramani Mahama’s directive to resume Phase II of the Blekusu Sea Defence Project. Over 300 people were displaced and 51 houses destroyed by relentless tidal waves. The project, initially commenced during Mahama’s earlier administration, stalled under the NPP-led government. Mahama announced funding for Phase II in the 2025 budget and urged relocation efforts to safer sites.
Why It Matters
- Protecting lives and infrastructure: The tidal waves have eroded over 800 meters of coastline and threatened major roads like the Keta–Aflao highway, risking both coastal and inland communities
- Restoring community trust: Residents praised the visit as a turning point. Paramount Chief Torgbiga Adama III called on the government to treat the sea crisis as an urgent emergency and resume the halted sea-defence works immediately.
Government Response & Relief
- Funding commitment: Mahama formally directed the Finance Minister to allocate funds in the 2025 budget for resuming construction of Phase II. He also emphasized simultaneous resettlement to safer zones.
- Resettlement concerns: Mahama criticized the resettlement site built by Ghana Gas, calling it improperly located in a flood-prone area and unfit for long-term habitation.
- Project launch: By June 2025, construction officially began. Amandi Holdings Ltd was awarded the contract, equipment mobilized to Azizadzi, and planning underway for permanent resettlement sites.
Community & Institutional Support
- Chiefs and locals have consistently lobbied for urgent government action, warning the sea could destroy burial grounds, homes, and livelihoods if unchecked. Over 600 residents remain at risk with their communities sinking into the ocean.
- WACA ReSIP 2 climate resilience funding, backed by the World Bank, is expected to support coastal protection and ecosystem restoration in vulnerable areas including Volta.
What Happens Next
- Construction gains momentum: Full-scale civil works for Phase II proceed under Amandi’s supervision.
- Permanent resettlement: Plans are in motion to provide safe, well-situated homes for displaced families.
- Enhanced local resilience: DESCO and NADMO remain engaged in relief efforts, while local leadership continues advocacy for long-term coastal solutions.
After years of waiting, the promise of Phase II of the Blekusu Sea Defence Project brings a much-needed lifeline to Agavedzi and coastal communities ravaged by erosion. Residents are hopeful this marks real progress—and a lasting safeguard against future tidal devastation. Clear delivery now can restore safety, livelihoods, and confidence among communities long-neglected.