Some residents of Salakope, Amutinu and Agavedzi in the Ketu South Municipality of the Volta Region, have blocked Keta to Aflao main road to protest the recent tidal wave destruction and to demand expedited action from duty-bearers.
The protesters mainly youth from the disaster ravaged areas, have blocked the Keta-Aflao road with tree stumps and rocks causing disruptions to traffic and commerce in the area, while the tidal wave also heaped huge sand blocking the other part of the road to deny accessibility.
Mr Sylvanus Kumawu, the Assembly Member of Salakope, in an earlier interview with the Ghana News Agency, said the area was in danger, citing the recent surges that cut off the main part of the Keta – Aflao road on Monday, May 26.
“The residents are demanding that the government take immediate action to address the issue of tidal wave that has been affecting the communities, they are calling for the construction of sea defense walls and other measures to prevent further destruction,” he said.
He explained that the tidal waves have caused significant damages to properties and livelihoods in the communities along the coast of Ketu South municipality and many residents have lost their homes, businesses, and the local economy has been severely impacted.
“The protesters are seeking urgent relief and support from the government before these communities are washed away by the sea,” he added.
Mr Kumawu said that vehicles and pedestrians have been advised to divert the movements through Keta to Anlo-Afiadenyigba junction to Agbozume routes to safeguard their safety which has also affected businesses as a result and made protesters much more determined to make their voices heard and were refusing to budge until their demands are met.
He pleaded with the government to take immediate action to address the issues of tidal waves in the areas and called for comprehensive plans to protect their communities and prevent further destruction.
He said that Salakope, Amutinu, Agavedzi and the surrounding communities were in serious crisis, with many residents struggling to cope with the aftermath of the tidal wave destruction while others were seeking urgent relief and support to help them rebuild their lives and livelihoods.
Some of the aggrieved protesters, engaged by GNA expressed dissatisfaction about the delay by government to fix their challenges and were determined to make their voices heard, while others lamented about where they would lay their heads before the next day.
Some cried that, “government must take responsibility for the welfare of our communities and to provide support to those of us affected by the tidal waves. We are not sure if the Mahama led NDC administration will fail.”
The protesters are demanding relief and support from the government to help them begin a new life through financial assistance, housing, and other forms of support to help them recover from the disaster.
GNA also observed that the sea has cut-off the main Keta Aflao road at Amutsinu and the situation in the area required urgent action from the authorities to address some pressing challenges of the communities which include health, water, education, housing, among others to enable them respond quickly to prevent further suffering and hardship.
The protest by the youth at Salakope, Amutinu and Agavedzi has been seen as a call to action for authorities to address the issue of tidal waves and provide support to affected communities and any further delay could lead to more destruction which would affect victims psychologically, emotionally and physically while the youth vowed to continue the protest until their demands are met.
GNA
