President John Dramani Mahama visited the coastal community of Fuveme in the Volta Region to personally assess the extensive damage caused by recent tidal waves and to engage with displaced residents regarding the government’s comprehensive mitigation strategy.
The visit comes at a critical time for the enclave, which has faced increasingly frequent and severe surges that have destroyed homes, schools, and local livelihoods.
During his tour of the affected sites, the President confirmed that Fuveme and its surrounding areas have been officially integrated into the West Africa Coastal Areas Management Program (WACA).
This $150 million initiative, backed by the World Bank, is a multi-national effort designed to combat the devastating impacts of coastal erosion and climate change across vulnerable West African shorelines. President Mahama emphasized that the inclusion of Fuveme in this well-funded program ensures that the community will benefit from world-class engineering and sustainable environmental practices.
Addressing a gathering of traditional leaders and residents, the President explained that the project is currently in the design and technical assessment phase. He assured the public that the government is working to transition quickly into physical implementation.
The proposed works are set to include the construction of robust sea defense systems and groynes—structures built out from the shore to trap sand—to stabilize the receding coastline.
Beyond hard engineering solutions, the President highlighted a commitment to “green” infrastructure. The plan incorporates significant ecosystem restoration, specifically the large-scale planting of mangroves and coconut trees, which serve as natural barriers against the sea while supporting local biodiversity.
Acknowledging that the residents cannot wait for long-term projects while their homes remain at risk, President Mahama stated that the government is simultaneously exploring immediate interventions.
These interim measures include the urgent dredging of the local estuary to reduce water pressure and mitigate further flooding. The President concluded by reaffirming the government’s dedication to securing the lives and properties of those living along the Volta Region’s fragile coast.
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
