The Anlo Youth Council (AYC) has expressed profound gratitude to the Government of ghana and President John Mahama for the prompt and decisive commencement of the Blekusu Coastal Protection Phase II Project. This initiative, launched few days ago, offers renewed hope to communities along the coastline that have long endured the devastating effects of erosion and environmental degradation.
In a statement released 21st July 2025 and Signed by Godsway Hanyabui the Vice President- in Charge of Operations said, the AYC commended the President for his responsiveness to the urgent needs of coastal settlements, highlighting the importance of this intervention in safeguarding homes, livelihoods, and the local environment. “This timely action is a beacon of hope for communities that have lived in the shadow of destruction for too long,” the statement read.
The Youth Council also took the opportunity to acknowledge the long-standing efforts of the National Democratic Congress in addressing coastal erosion challenges along the Anlo coastline. They pointed to past projects such as the Keta Sea Defence under President Rawlings and the Anyanui–Akplowotorkor intervention under President Atta Mills as examples of the party’s commitment to concrete action.
“From the Keta Sea Defence to the recent interventions, the NDC has consistently demonstrated a deeper responsiveness to the lived realities of our people,” the statement added.
However, the council emphasized that decades of scientific studies have confirmed that the stretch east of the Volta Estuary remains Ghana’s most erosion-prone zone.
As Ghana continues efforts to combat coastal erosion, the Anlo Youth Council called for sustained and proactive measures to protect vulnerable communities and preserve the coastal environment for future generations.
Below is the full statement:
RESS STATEMENT
ANLO YOUTH COUNCIL (AYC)
Date: 21 July 2025
Subject: Expression of Gratitude for Blekusu Coastal Protection Phase II and Renewed Appeal to Protect and Reclaim the Dzita–Fuveme Coastal Stretch
The Anlo Youth Council (AYC) extends its profound gratitude to His Excellency the President for the swift and decisive commencement of Blekusu Coastal Protection Phase II Project. This timely intervention represents hope for communities that have long lived in the shadow of destruction, and we deeply appreciate the President’s responsiveness to the urgent plight of our coastal settlements.
We also take this moment to acknowledge the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for its historical legacy of concrete action in response to coastal erosion challenges along the Anlo coastline. From the Keta Sea Defence under President Rawlings to the Anyanui–Akplowotorkor intervention under President Atta Mills, the NDC tradition has consistently demonstrated a deeper responsiveness to the lived realities of our people.
Indeed, the facts speak for themselves. Decades of coastal studies have confirmed that the stretch east of the Volta estuary is Ghana’s most erosion-prone zone. Yet, for over eight years, particularly during the tenure of the previous administration, this reality was met with silence and inaction.
During that period, entire communities between Fuveme and Atiteti were lost to the relentless sea. No new investment was made, and while our homes were washed away, resources were allocated to comparatively safer stretches of Ghana’s coastline.
The history of Akplowotorkor reminds us of what delayed action costs. Initially, our calls were met with suggestions of relocation rather than protection. It took a change in government before action came though by then, the land was gone. That cycle has repeated itself. The sod-cutting ceremony on July 19, 2025, under President John Dramani Mahama, is therefore more than symbolic as it marks a restoration of justice and recognition for a long-neglected Anlo coast. For this, we are truly thankful.
However, the work is not yet complete. We respectfully call on the government to urgently prioritize the unprotected coastal stretch between Fuveme and Dzita to Wuti. This segment remains dangerously exposed, and without swift intervention, the risk of flanking will compromise even the areas that have recently received protection.
We further propose that the intervention must move beyond protection to reclamation. Much land has already been consumed by the sea, and if we are to truly reverse the tide, we must invest in restoring what has been lost. A science-based, continuous sea defence system—from Dzita through Fuveme to Wuti, and ultimately linking to existing works at Blekusu and beyond—coupled with strategic land reclamation, offers the most effective route to lasting stability.
This is a call for a strategic shift, one that sees coastal protection not as segmented political responses but as an integrated national imperative. Our people are resilient—but resilience without meaningful partnership leads to despair. Let this be the moment where the state reconnects with its coastal citizens. Let us draw strength from the unity of the Anlo people, including those in the diaspora, and build a protective wall not just of stones, but of commitment and vision.
Once again, we thank the President for this long-awaited action, recognize the NDC’s sustained advocacy, and urge that the Dzita–Fuveme-Wuti corridor be next in line for urgent protection and restoration.
Let history not record another community lost when it could have been saved.
Signed:
Godsway Hanyabui
Vice President- Operations , Anlo Youth Council (AYC)
