President Mahama visits Fuveme, assures urgent action on tidal wave devastation
President John Dramani Mahama has visited Fuveme and other coastal communities in the Volta Region affected by recent tidal waves, assuring residents of immediate relief measures and long-term interventions to address the worsening coastal erosion crisis.
The visit follows renewed tidal wave activity that has displaced families, destroyed homes, and left sections of the coastline severely damaged, deepening concerns about the vulnerability of communities along the stretch.
During his tour, President Mahama interacted with affected residents, inspected damaged properties, and reaffirmed government’s commitment to both emergency support and permanent protection works.
“We came here to see for ourselves what is happening after the sea broke through and caused this destruction,” President Mahama said. “This entire coastline is part of an ongoing coastal protection programme, and we are committed to making sure the right interventions are implemented.”
He explained that the area falls under the West Africa Coastal Areas (WACA) project, a $150 million World Bank-supported initiative designed to protect vulnerable coastal communities from sea erosion and tidal wave impacts.
“The WACA project is a major intervention covering this stretch from Ketu South through parts of Anloga,” he noted. “It will involve the construction of sea defence structures and groynes to reduce wave energy, as well as ecological measures like mangrove and coconut planting to help stabilize the shoreline.”
President Mahama acknowledged delays in the implementation process, attributing them in part to the 2024 election period, but assured residents that progress has resumed.
“Yes, there were delays last year because of the elections, but I am happy to report that the feasibility studies have been completed and we are now moving into the design phase,” he stated. “After that, we proceed to procurement and then actual construction.”
He further assured residents that funding for the project remains secure and that government is determined to see it through to completion.
“We want to assure you that the financing for this project is not in doubt,” President Mahama emphasized. “Government is fully committed to ensuring that this coastal protection project is implemented to safeguard lives and property.”
As an immediate response, he disclosed that government will collaborate with the Volta River Authority (VRA) to undertake dredging works at the estuary to help reduce pressure on the coastline.
“In the short term, we are working with VRA to do dredging at the estuary to help ease the tidal impact while we implement the bigger project,” he added.
President Mahama appealed for patience and cooperation from residents as government rolls out both short-term interventions and long-term solutions to address the persistent coastal erosion challenges affecting the Volta Region.
