Government Not Showing Enough Commitment Towards Tidal Waves Victims - Dzifa Gomashie

The MP for the Ketu South Constituency, Dzifa Abla Gomashie, has taken on the government for doing too little for residents affected by tidal waves in the Volta Region. She says government lacks the commitment to providing the necessary emergency response months after the destruction. About 20 households have been

left stranded at the Agavedzi and also some adjoining communities in the Ketu South Municipality after tidal waves hit their homes over the weekend. This comes several months after hundreds were left stranded in some coastal communities in the Volta Region in 2021. The lives of residents of Amutinu Salakope, Agavedzi,

Blekusu and Adina are under threat following tidal waves’ destruction since March 2021. Several efforts by residents to get the government to complete the sea defence project have proven futile, despite several demonstrations. But Dzifa Abla Gomashie believes government’s efforts so far have been appalling. In this

particular instance that this has happened, I do not know of anything that has been done yet. If something has been sent, I have not heard of it. Since last year, the response has been slow, inadequate, and pathetic. Not even a shed or camping house has been built for those who have been affected tremendously to move in.

Nothing has been provided. As we speak what the state itself is doing is not clear to me as a representative of the people. I am just so frustrated. In June 2021, the Works and Housing Minister, Francis Asenso-Boakye during a working visit to the affected communities, assured the residents of the government’s commitment to construct an eight-kilometre coastal protection wall

to protect lives and property in the area, she said. The Minister, according to Gomashie, said the project was to begin by August 2021; meanwhile, the work is yet to begin. The affected residents, however, are still calling on the government to fulfil its promise to the people and complete the sea defence project as their lives are still in danger. The latest tidal waves also affected some communities in Greater Accra and Central Regions.