Accra: Dr. Worlanyo Mensah, an Economist, has called on the government to declare a state of emergency in the tidal wave-affected areas in the Volta Region. Dr. Worlanyo said the severe tidal waves that had hit communities in the Volta Region have left widespread destruction, including submerging homes, farms, businesses, and a lot more, affecting thousands of residents and needing immediate attention.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr. Worlanyo shared his concerns in an interview, highlighting that the main sources of livelihood for many residents, which were fishing and farming, had been destroyed. He warned that if the situation is not addressed, it could lead to high unemployment rates, food shortages, and further cause high food inflation in the affected communities.
He attributed the flooding to the incomplete sea defence project, which was meant to protect the coastline, and urged the government to prioritize the project's completion to prevent future occurrences. The economist also emphasized the sanitation crisis, as several toilet facilities had been submerged, raising the risk of waterborne diseases. This concern is compounded by the fact that some health centers have also been affected, complicating access to medical care for residents.
Dr. Worlanyo noted that many families had been forced to leave their homes and seek refuge in schools and churches, with some having lost all their belongings and in desperate need of food, clean water, and shelter. He appealed to the government to declare a state of emergency to expedite relief efforts and attract international support.
He stressed that the destruction caused by the tidal waves had surpassed the capacity of local authorities, warning that without immediate intervention, the region's economic situation could deteriorate further. He underscored the need to protect the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) roads, which traverse some of the affected areas, from any form of damage or disruption. Any adverse impact on these roads could have significant consequences on economic activities, as they serve as a critical trade route for businesses within the region.
Dr. Worlanyo highlighted that any deterioration in road conditions could lead to transportation delays, increased costs for businesses, and potential setbacks for regional trade and economic growth.
