Ketu South: Some victims of tidal waves in coastal communities in Ketu South have expressed the willingness to discuss relocation options after years of resisting the idea. Agavedzi and neighbouring communities including Salakope, which have been suffering from the damaging effects of the recurring menace since around 2015, had previously refused to relocate, citing emotional attachment to their ancestral land and livelihood concerns.
According to Ghana News Agency, the communities are reconsidering their stance following fast-occurring devastating tidal incursions over the years, especially in 2025, which have destroyed virtually every home in parts of Agavedzi, Amutinu, and Salakope. The incursions have displaced many residents and threatened to breach the Keta-Aflao Road, continuing its devastation inland. Some victims expressed that they have suffered for so long and that it is time to think about their safety and wellbeing. They explained that staying with friends and family after losing their homes to the sea's ravages has been challenging.
Regent Torgbui Dorgbavu of Agavedzi remarked, 'It is true that for some time, we have been refusing relocation discussions in the sense that a fish does not live in the forest. We are fisher folks, and our very survival is dependent on the sea. But now that the sea has taken all our life's toils, we cannot help but be open to discussing relocation options with the government and other stakeholders.'
Madam Florence Midoamegbe, another victim who lost her 15-bedroom apartment at Agavedzi to the sea a few years ago, expressed her worry about her current living condition, stating, 'We're willing to move anywhere the government will send us. I now have a makeshift structure just across the road, and it is not a safe place at all because it's a flood-prone area. With the onslaught of the rains, it gets uninhabitable.'
Miss Mana Alobuia of Salakope shared that they were among the early victims whose homes were destroyed by the tidal waves, urging the government to provide necessary help to bring hope to those recently displaced.
Authorities have welcomed the decision by victims to consider relocation as the government works to find a permanent solution to the problem in the area. However, a potential relocation site is yet to be identified. Mr. Pascal Agbagba, Director of Emergency Operations, mentioned the current development by Ghana Gas to provide accommodation to some victims, but emphasized the need to secure a new site that is less prone to tidal waves.
Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama has directed that an amount of GHS200 million be allocated in the 2025 budget to support victims of the recent tidal wave disaster in Ketu South. He advocated for the commencement of phase two of the sea defense wall and resettlement of those whose houses have been affected, while the community searches for a suitable site for the resettlement project.
