In the coastal community of Kelee, within the Weija-Gbawe Municipality of the Greater Accra Region, more than 40 homes have been submerged by advancing tidal waves, leaving residents in fear of losing their entire settlement.
Residents of the area have expressed growing concern over the sea’s encroachment, which has brought it dangerously close to their homes. At one point, the shoreline was over 400 meters away from the houses, but now it has rapidly moved inland, swallowing homes and even a school that once served the community. As a result, local schoolchildren have been forced to relocate to Wiaboman, a nearby town, to continue their education.
Joseph Addy, one of the remaining residents, shared the distressing reality of his situation, explaining that the tidal waves are gradually eroding the walls of his home. He has no means to afford renting elsewhere, urging the government for immediate support.
The residents believe the cause of the problem stems from the diversion of water from the Weija Dam into the estuary, which has contributed to the rising tides.
Ebenezer Boakye, Principal Disaster Control Officer for the National Disaster Management Organization in Weija, stressed the need for a sea defense project to protect the community, warning that without intervention, the entire township of Kelee could be lost in the near future.
