Anlo Youth Council Calls for Vigilance as Government Commits to Sea Defence and Resettlement Initiatives
The Anlo Youth Council (AYC) has emphasized the need for urgent and sustained action to safeguard coastal communities in the Volta Region, even as the government and development partners demonstrate a renewed commitment to sea defence and resettlement initiatives.
In a statement released by the Council, Godsway Hanyabui, Vice President in charge of Operations, expressed cautious optimism regarding recent developments while urging continued unity, vigilance, and community engagement.
“The people of Anlo have endured too much. Generations have witnessed their homes, lands, and memories consumed by the sea,” Mr. Hanyabui stated. “We remain cautiously optimistic about these recent advancements and urge all Anlo youth and affected communities to stay united, proactive, and vigilant.”
This renewed appeal follows a high-level meeting between the Volta Regional Minister and representatives from the West Africa Coastal Areas (WACA) Resilience Investment Project, during which it was confirmed that the long-awaited Agavedzi to Aflao Sea Defence Project has been included in Ghana’s 2025 National Budget.
For years, communities in Anloga, Ketu South, and Keta have faced devastation from tidal waves, resulting in the loss of homes, schools, farmland, and even ancestral cemeteries. The AYC has consistently advocated for sustainable and comprehensive solutions to tackle the coastal erosion crisis.
The inclusion of the Agavedzi to Aflao Sea Defence Project in the national budget marks a significant milestone. The project's scope now extends beyond shoreline protection to encompass land reclamation, a necessary adjustment that experts believe is vital for long-term coastal resilience.
The Volta Regional Minister announced that the project is currently awaiting financial clearance, and a contractor is expected to mobilize to the site soon.
In the meantime, the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) is coordinating temporary relief for displaced families. Tents and other emergency supplies are being procured to assist those left without shelter following recent tidal wave incidents.
To address permanent housing needs, Ghana Gas is also finalizing an agreement to support the completion of resettlement units that are already under construction.
The long-term coastal strategy is being informed by an ongoing WACA Resilience Feasibility Study, which includes sediment flow analysis and community consultations across Anlo State—encompassing Anloga, Ketu South, and Keta Municipalities. This study aims to develop scientifically sound and community-sensitive solutions that avoid the pitfalls of previous piecemeal interventions.
“We appreciate the Regional Minister and technical agencies for their responsiveness. However, our work is far from complete,” Hanyabui asserted.
“Let us remain vigilant, united, and supportive of this effort to secure our coastline and safeguard our future. Together, we will rise with the tide rather than be swept away by it.”
The AYC reiterated its commitment to holding authorities accountable while mobilizing local participation to ensure that the resilience agenda yields real and lasting impacts.
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