File photo of a sea defence
The shameful neglect and abandonment of the Sea Defence Project in Volta Region by the NPP government stands as a stark reminder of the apathy and disregard that has been shown to the concerns of the people of Agavedzi, Salakope, Keta, Ketu South, and Anloga. This crucial project, initially launched by President John Dramani Mahama during his first term in office in 2015, was designed to protect these coastal communities from the devastating effects of coastal erosion and rising sea levels. Yet, for the past eight years, the NPP government has turned a blind eye to the pressing needs of these vulnerable communities.
The Sea Defence Project was an essential initiative, one that would have safeguarded the livelihoods and homes of many Ghanaians living in these areas. Sadly, when the NPP assumed power, the project was abruptly halted. Instead of building upon the progress made by the Mahama administration, the NPP chose to abandon the project without any consideration for the long-term implications for the affected communities. For eight years, there has been no budgetary allocation for the completion of the Sea Defence Projects in the Volta Region, leaving the people of Keta, Ketu South, and Anloga to face the harsh realities of coastal erosion without any protection.
In a truly callous statement, NAPO, the vice-presidential candidate for the NPP in the 2024 elections, openly declared that if the NPP had budgeted for the Sea Defence Project in the Volta Region, he would have led a massive demonstration in the Ashanti Region. This disgraceful remark, rather than focusing on the real needs of the people in Volta, is a reminder of the deep disconnect and insensitivity that the NPP has towards the region. What is even more disheartening is that members of the NPP in the Volta Region remained silent in the face of this blatant disregard for their people.
They did not stand up to NAPO, nor did they condemn his callous comments. Instead, they allowed this injustice to go unchallenged, failing to recognize that the good people of the Volta Region, too, contribute to the development of Ghana.
It is truly painful to witness this hypocrisy, where those who stand to benefit from a party’s favour blindly defend the wrongs committed by their own leaders. It is only a hypocrite who would defend such indefensible actions when it suits their interests, only to speak against them when the situation changes. The neglect of the Sea Defence Project at Agavedzi and Salakope has directly contributed to the current state of vulnerability these communities face today.
However, despite the painful memories of neglect, there is hope on the horizon. We are grateful that the current government has finally taken the responsibility to address the issues that the good people of Agavedzi and Salakope are facing. The promises made to fix the problems left behind by the previous administration are now being fulfilled. It is a sign that the government of today is determined to bring relief and solutions to the challenges that these coastal communities have endured for far too long.
In conclusion, the abandonment of the Sea Defence Project by the NPP stands as a painful chapter in the history of the Volta Region, one that should never be forgotten. But as we look forward to the positive changes being brought about by the current government, we hope that the people of Volta will never again be left to face such neglect and indifference from any future leadership. The time for change is now, and it is only through collective effort that we can ensure a safer and more prosperous future for the people of the Volta Region.
