AGAVEDZI, VOLTA REGION – President John Dramani Mahama on Saturday, July 19, 2025, inaugurated the second phase of the Blekusu Coastal Protection Project in Agavedzi, Ketu South Municipality. The ceremony, attended by chiefs and residents of the Some and Aflao Traditional Areas, was marked by widespread relief and celebration among the local populace.
The event, which the President described as “significant and emotional,” saw an outpouring of joy and appreciation. The Chief of Some and Member of Parliament for Ketu South conveyed the community’s gratitude, while dancing and jubilation underscored the long-awaited hope that the project brings to these vulnerable coastal areas.
For an extended period, the communities of Blekusu, Agavedzi, Salakope, Amutsinu, and Adina have bravely contended with the relentless and destructive force of the sea. The severe coastal erosion has not only claimed significant land but has also deeply impacted the livelihoods and overall peace of mind of the residents, forcing many to consider displacement.
The ongoing project is designed to protect an 8-kilometer coastal belt through comprehensive engineering interventions. These include the construction of thirty-seven groins, vital dune restoration efforts, the erection of reinforced embankments, and the implementation of other critical shoreline defense infrastructure. This multi-faceted approach aims to create a robust barrier against the encroaching waters.
Expected to be completed within four years, the project promises to reclaim what has been lost and secure a future for generations to come. President Mahama affirmed the government’s commitment, stating, “The sea has taken a lot from this community. It has taken land, it has taken livelihoods, and it has taken our peace of mind, but today I stand here to say no more will the sea consume our land. We are here to rebuild stronger and offer our children a future where they are not forced to flee their homes because of rising tides.”
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
