President John Dramani Mahama paid a courtesy call on the Awoemefia of the Anlo State, Togbui Sri III, at his palace in Anloga on Wednesday. The visit formed a strategic stopover during the President’s intensive working tour of the Volta Region’s coastline, where he has been assessing the impact of recent environmental challenges and the progress of critical infrastructure projects.
The President arrived at the palace in the company of government officials and regional executives, transitioning from an emotional visit to the Fuveme community. Residents there have recently been displaced by devastating tidal waves, and the President spent the morning observing the extent of the sea erosion that has claimed homes and disrupted the livelihoods of the local fishing community.
During his brief interaction with the Awoemefia, President Mahama provided an update on the government’s efforts to mitigate the effects of the Atlantic Ocean’s encroachment. He emphasized that the tour was essential for first-hand evaluation before proceeding to inspect the second phase of the Blekusu Sea Defence Project. This multi-million dollar initiative is designed to provide a permanent engineering solution to the perennial flooding and erosion that threatens the Ketu South and Keta municipalities.
Togbui Sri III welcomed the President and his entourage, expressing the appreciation of the Anlo people for the government’s attention to the ecological threats facing the coast. The traditional ruler underscored the urgency of the sea defense works, noting that the safety of his people remained a top priority for the traditional council. Following the palace visit, the President departed for Blekusu to inspect the ongoing construction of the boulders and groynes intended to shield the shoreline from further destruction.
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
