Salakope: The youth of Salakope in the Ketu South Municipality of the Volta Region have taken to the streets, protesting against what they describe as the slow pace of progress in the ongoing Blekusu Phase II Sea Defense project in the area.
According to Ghana News Agency, the protesters expressed concerns that the sluggish progress of the project has resulted in recent tidal wave surges and associated destruction, causing unrest and destabilization of businesses. The demonstrators blocked the main Keta-Aflao road at Salakope, demanding expedited work by constructors and bringing traffic to a standstill while drawing attention to their plight.
Some protesters, who spoke to the agency under anonymity, voiced frustration and disappointment with the project’s slow progress, claiming it left their community vulnerable to erosion and flooding. They demanded immediate action from the contractors and government officials to accelerate the project.
The youth claimed that despite repeated assurances, the project’s progress remained slow, and their communities continued to suffer the consequences. They called for increased transparency and accountability in the project’s implementation. The blockade caused significant disruption to traffic, with commuters and traders urging a quick resolution to the impasse. However, the youth remained resolute in their demand for faster action.
The Blekusu sea defense project is deemed crucial for communities affected by coastal erosion and flooding in recent years. Despite the sod being cut by the president for this project, protesters questioned the delay in its execution. The protest aimed to emphasize the need for the government and contractors of Amandi Construction Limited to prioritize the project’s completion, which is expected to provide relief and protection to residents.
The protesters vowed to continue their demonstration until their demands were met and urged government intervention to ensure the constructors complete the project within the stipulated time. Mr. Sylvester Kumawu, the Assembly Member of the area, assured residents of smooth and successful project progress and urged public collaboration with workers to meet scheduled deadlines.
He mentioned that the situation is being closely monitored and efforts are underway to resolve the impasse and allow for speedy work on the defense walls, providing hope for a swift resolution and completion of the sea defense project. President John Mahama had previously cut the sod for the commencement of Phase II of the Blekusu Coastal Protection project, instilling hope for coastal communities against tidal waves. However, the communities along the coastal stretch, including Blekusu, Agavedzi, Salakope, Amutinu, and Adina, have suffered from sea erosion, with homes, farmlands, and businesses being swept away, displacing many families and damaging properties.
Attempts by the Ghana News Agency to speak with the leadership of Amandi Construction Limited were unsuccessful.