About 15 communities in the Anloga District and Ketu South Municipality of the Volta Region have been hit by massive tidal wave.
This has affected over 4,000 people with more than 500 houses submerged or completely destroyed.
Schools and other social and economic activities have also been disrupted immensely. Women, children and the vulnerable people in these communities are the worse hit.
This Sea-level rise is almost an annual ritual and a growing concern in the affected communities. It has forced many to abandon their homes and livelihoods.
Vulnerable people like children and elderly folks who have been affected by this development are now staying in schools, community centres, churches etc. in safer areas not affected by the wave.
Conspicuously missing is a statement from the president on this development and its devastating effects on the Anloga District and Ketu South Municipality. His quietness and unconcerned nature of happenings around him is difficult to comprehend and almost becoming an ugly reminder of his obligation to the well-being of his people.
It also brings into question his commitment to decisions of COP26. We urge him to exhibit empathy to the affected community and be proactive in solving the many challenges associated with climate action. Pragmatic measures must be outlined to see an end to this worrying events.
There is the urgent need to mitigate the impact of sea level rise, the sea defence project must be completed. The second phase of the project must be considered and executed to bring some relief to the people of the area. More so, if there are human activities that aggravates the waves, enforcement of environmental and other relevant laws in a fair and impartial manner will help curb such activities and protect the environment.
A multi-dimensional and multi-sectorial approach including formulating realistic and comprehensive measures to address unemployment, poverty, discrimination, insecurity etc. is urgently needed to mitigate human activities that could possibly affect the sea. Farms and farmlands have also been flooded with many tomato and cassava farms submerged and destroyed completely, this is more like to affect farm yields and general agriculture in the affected localities.
Through education, innovation & adherence to our climate commitments, we can make the necessary changes to preserve nature. Sustainable development is key in saving the sea, people and planet and ensuring and much friendlier ecosystem.
There must be effective coordination between government agencies, mining companies, mining communities, traditional authorities, opinion leaders, civil society organizations (CSOs), faith based organizations (FBOs), amongst other stakeholders operating in that space.
Tidal waves are linked to climate change and recent commitment at the COP26 must be quickly operationalized. Climate change is a real & undeniable threat to our entire civilization and we are threatened by accelerating climate change in the years to come in diverse ways.
The effects are already visible and will be catastrophic unless we act now. Through education, innovation & adherence to our climate commitments, we can make the necessary changes to protect the planet.
Source: Bright Ampadu Okyere (An SDG Advocate) and Lead Partner SDG Alliance-Ghana Email: [email protected] Twitter: @ghanasdg Facebook: SDG Alliance-Ghana Tel. # 0244204664