Residents of the Anlo Beach Community in the Shama District of the Western Region are in a dire situation as powerful tidal waves continue to erode their homes and livelihoods into the ocean.
Over 500 houses have been destroyed, leaving many residents displaced and homeless.
One resident told Channel One News about the severe impact the tidal waves have had on his family:
“My family and I are currently living with my brother because our home was destroyed. My wife has even left for Kumasi due to the situation. We urgently need the government’s assistance to provide us with a place to sleep and possibly build a sea defence to protect our community.”
Samuel Borlu, the Assembly member for Anlo Beach, emphasised the severity of the situation, saying “The tidal waves started affecting our community in 1995-1996, but it intensified in 2017-2018, destroying around 500 houses within a year.
“The impact is enormous, as our community relies heavily on fishing, and the erosion of our fishing shoreline is now making it difficult for residents to cast their nets and pull them ashore. The livelihoods of our people are under serious threat.”
The residents are urging the government to take immediate action to address their situation and protect their homes and livelihoods from the ongoing tidal waves.
