The coastline of the Volta Region is one of Ghana’s hidden treasures—a scenic stretch of land and sea that holds immense potential for tourism, fishing, and trade. Yet, over the past decade, this very coast has become a site of sorrow, erosion, and neglect for many of its inhabitants. Communities like Salakope, Amutinu, and Blekusu have borne the brunt of violent tidal waves that have rendered hundreds homeless and washed away livelihoods. Against this backdrop, a glimmer of hope has emerged in the form of a promise fulfilled: H.E. John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana, has honored his pledge to construct the second phase of the Blekusu Sea Defense Project. For this, he deserves the heartfelt commendation of the Ghanaian people, especially the resilient residents of Salakope, Amutinu, and Blekusu.
A Leader Who Listens
In times of devastation, words are not enough—what matters are the actions that follow. It is often said that promises are easy to make but difficult to keep, especially in politics. Yet, when tidal waves struck the southern communities of Ketu South, it was H.E. John Mahama who personally led a delegation to assess the damage. He walked among the ruins of broken homes, sat with displaced families, and assured them of relief. That visit was not just symbolic—it was a turning point. True to his word, the second phase of the Blekusu Sea Defense has now been awarded to Amandi Constructions, marking a critical step toward safeguarding lives and restoring hope.
Such leadership—practical, empathetic, and committed—is worthy of recognition. It stands as a testament to what Ghanaian communities can achieve when their leaders prioritize their welfare above politics. The people of Salakope, Amutinu, and Blekusu now have a reason to smile, not only because their cries have been heard, but also because real work has begun to protect their future.
The Beauty of the Coast—and the Danger it Hides
It is difficult to overstate the natural beauty of the Volta coastline. One only needs to take a boat cruise from Ada to the estuary to understand what is at stake. As you glide along the river, mangroves sway lazily in the breeze, birds dart through the air, and the sight of the setting sun on the water is nothing short of magical. At Ada Foah, a sea defense wall proudly stretches along the shore, protecting magnificent riverside mansions from the fury of the sea. These structures stand as a silent testimony to what strategic investment and timely intervention can achieve.
However, just beyond this calm, a harsh reality sets in. Communities like Kporkporgbor and Fuveme have not been so fortunate. These towns, located along the same coastline, have been devoured by the sea. Fuveme, once a vibrant fishing village, is now a ghost town in parts with Dzaflagbey and Agorkedzi left as the only suburbs. Entire homes have vanished, ancestral graveyards have been washed away, and the only school in the community, Fuveme Star of the Sea R.C Basic School where I was first posted as a teacher and rose through the ranks to become an Assistant Headteacher and finally Headteacher before being reposted to a second cycle institution, have had to be relocated to Agorkedzi. The residents are not asking for luxury; they are pleading for survival.
Remembering the Forgotten: Fuveme and Dzita Must Not Be Left Behind
It is not lost on the people of Fuveme that H.E. John Mahama, even as an opposition leader, visited their community when they were struck by tidal waves a couple of years ago. His presence offered a rare sense of comfort and visibility. That visit was followed by one from the Parliamentary Committee on Works and Housing—an indication that their plight was finally receiving attention at the national level. Yet, several years on, not a single stone has been laid to protect these towns from the advancing sea.
The irony is painful. On one hand, a sea defense wall rises in Ada to protect private properties, and in Akplorwotorkor thanks to Prof. John Evans Atta Mills and John Mahama’s intervention; on the other, Fuveme and Dzita lie exposed to nature’s wrath, as though their lives and homes are of lesser value. This cannot stand.
We must, as a nation, rise to the call of justice and equity. If we can protect the estuary at Ada for tourism and private gain, we must protect Fuveme and Dzita for their humanity. The call is not for charity but for fairness. These are Ghanaian citizens, taxpaying and hardworking, who deserve the same level of protection and dignity as those in any other part of the country.
The Case for an Immediate Sea Defense Between Fuveme and Dzita
The science is clear: coastal erosion is not waiting. The longer we delay intervention, the more we risk losing these entire communities. The government must, as a matter of urgency, commission a comprehensive sea defense system stretching from Fuveme through Dzita and adjoining areas. This project should not be viewed as a luxury or a political bargaining chip—it is a necessity. It will protect livelihoods, preserve cultural heritage, and promote economic development through fishing and eco-tourism.
Furthermore, construction of the sea defense in this area will signal a renewed commitment to regional balance. It will show that all Ghanaian lives, regardless of location or political affiliation, are valued and protected. The people of the Volta Region are watching. The time to act is now.
Conclusion: Commendation and a Call to Conscience
H.E. John Dramani Mahama has set an example by honoring his word to the communities of Salakope, Amutinu, and Blekusu. His leadership on this matter deserves applause and emulation. However, leadership must not end where the road gets rougher. The cries of Fuveme and Dzita continue to echo across the tides. They, too, need a sea defense. They, too, need protection. They, too, need hope.
Let us not wait for another disaster before we act. Let us not wait for more families to lose everything. Let us act now—decisively and compassionately—to extend the same gesture of protection and dignity to Fuveme and Dzita.
SAVIOUR GOKAH,
KPOTA,
ANYAKO, V/R
