Togbi James Ocloo V, Dufia of Keta in the Volta Region, has urged the government to take proactive measures to address the issue of tidal waves damages in the area.
He said instead of providing relief items after the destruction, government and other benevolent organisations should help resolve the problem of tidal waves once and for all to safeguard the communities along the coast.
Togbi Ocloo made the appeal during the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Advisory Unit and National Development Planning commission workshop at Anloga.
He highlighted on the devastating impact of tidal waves on the communities in Keta and Anloga.
“Our areas have been experiencing severe erosion and flooding over the years which has resulted in the destruction of properties and livelihoods,” he said.
He explained that a vast portion of the land, with many properties, was destroyed before a portion of the sea defense was constructed around Keta, Kedzi, Blekusu among others in the first phase of the sea wall.
Togbi Ocloo said that he had previously spoken out on the issues affecting the areas and called on the government to speed up work on the Keta and Blekusu Sea Defence project to save the town from further erosion.
He also expressed concern about the slow pace of the project, saying it needed urgent action to protect the community.
“The residents of Keta are worried about the impact of tidal waves on their lives and properties, they are calling on the government to take immediate action to address the situation for sustainable solutions to the problem, rather than just temporary reliefs,”
He commended the recent government for taking a step in continuing the second phase of Blekusu Sea Defense, noting that the government has a critical role to play in addressing the issue of damage caused by tidal waves along the coast.
Togbi Ocloo urged the government to invest in coastal infrastructure protection and implement sustainable solutions to prevent future disasters and protect the livelihoods of the residents.
He said coastal protection was essential for communities such as Abutiakope, Kedzikope, Vodza, Adzido, Kedzi and others which were vulnerable to erosion and flooding, that demanded protective initiatives to safeguard lives and properties.
He advised that subsequent workshops should rather focused on sustainable solutions that are needed to address the issue of tidal waves damages along the coast and act according to the talking to reduce the vulnerability of the communities to climate-related hazards.
Meanwhile, the SOG workshop further focused on sustainable development goals and methods to adopt to sustain plans to maintain the ocean among others.
Other goals include industry innovation and infrastructure development, gender equity, clean water and sanitation, zero hunger initiative, promotion of peace, justice and strong institutions.
The move would also explore environmentally friendly mariculture to provide alternative livelihood for artisanal fishers, research into pharmaceutical potentials from the marine environment, promote advanced technologies and method in salt production and desalination as well as promote environmental awareness and responsible behaviour.