President Mahama Pledges Continuation of Phase II of Sea Defense Project in Volta Region

President John Dramani Mahama has assured residents of the Volta Region of his commitment to ensuring the continuation of the second phase of the Blekusu Sea Defense Project. During his visit to communities recently devastated by tidal waves, President Mahama emphasized the urgent need for sustainable coastal protection to safeguard lives and property.

The Blekusu Sea Defense Project was initiated to address the recurring tidal wave disasters that have plagued several coastal communities, including Agavedzi, Salakope, and Amutinu. However, delays in executing the second phase have left many residents vulnerable to the devastating impact of rising sea levels and coastal erosion.

During his engagement with community leaders and affected residents, President Mahama reiterated that coastal protection remains a critical national priority. He assured them that under his leadership, efforts would be intensified to ensure the swift continuation and completion of the project. Additionally, he pledged to inform the Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, to allocate funding for the project in the upcoming 2025 budget, which is set to be presented before Parliament on Tuesday, 11th March 2025.

The chiefs and the residents expressed their concerns over the prolonged delays, highlighting the displacement and destruction caused by the recent tidal waves. They called on the government to expedite work on the sea defense project to prevent further loss of lives and livelihoods. The former president’s commitment has been met with optimism among affected communities, who continue to hope for lasting solutions to the challenges posed by tidal waves along Ghana’s coastline.

President Mahama was accompanied by his brother, Ing. Ibrahim Mahama, Hon. Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa, Hon. Fiifi Fiavi Kwettey, and also the Volta Regional Minister, Hon. James Gunu. To show solidarity, Hon. Gunu spent the night outdoors with the affected residents, experiencing firsthand the challenges they face each time as he awaited the president’s arrival.

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