A US-based Ghanaian philanthropist, Agbeko Odione Kumordzie, has expressed deep disappointment in the chiefs and people who staged a protest in Parliament on Tuesday, arguing that their priorities are misplaced given the dire situation of tidal waves in the Volta Region.
He is calling on the government to immediately declare the Keta tidal waves a national disaster before the situation escalates into a full-blown catastrophe.
In a passionate Facebook live-stream titled Agavedzie Tidal Waves Vs “Daughter of a Murderer” Urgency, Agbeko Kumordzie lamented that while some people were preoccupied with political name-calling in Parliament, entire communities along the Volta coastline were being swallowed by the sea.
“If we delay and the seawater enters the lagoon, the whole Volta Region will be flooded,” he warned.
He added that,”This is not just a Keta or Anlo issue. If we do not act now, it will affect Akatsi, Sogakope, and even further inland.”
The Keta, Anloga, and Ketu South coastal areas have faced recurrent tidal wave disasters, displacing thousands and rendering families homeless.
With each passing year, the ocean continues to encroach, washing away homes, schools, and entire livelihoods.
Residents of affected areas including Fuveme, Agavedzi, and Adina live in fear, uncertain of when the next wave will strike.
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Agbeko Kumordzie, who hails from Agbozume and has strong ties to the affected communities, said the severity of the crisis was being overlooked.
“My paternal village has been lost to the sea. When I visited last year, it was intact. Today, it’s gone,” he said.
The philanthropist criticized the decision of some traditional leaders to march to Parliament over a political insult instead of championing the fight against the destructive tidal waves.
“The real emergency is the erosion crisis, not some MP’s reckless statement,” he stated.
He was referring to the recent controversy where a parliamentarian allegedly called former President Jerry John Rawlings’ daughter, Dr. Zanetor Rawlings, the “daughter of a murderer.” While condemning the remark, Odioneh insisted that such distractions were preventing Ghanaians from focusing on more pressing issues.
“What does this name-calling change? Does it stop the sea from taking our lands? Does it restore homes in Keta? We need to wake up and act now,” he added.
Agbeko Kumordzie urged the government to prioritize the construction of a comprehensive sea defense wall along the coastline and not just temporary measures that only shift the problem from one community to another.
“We have the brains, the engineers, and the resources. Why can’t we build a defense system that will protect Keta, Anloga, and beyond permanently?” he questioned.
He also called on the ruling government, which he claims is widely supported by the youth in the Volta Region, to prove its commitment to the people.
“This government is loved by the ghettos of Volta. Now is the time to show them you care,” he said.
As the sea continues its relentless assault on the coastal communities, Agbeko Kumordzie’s message is clear: Act now or risk losing the entire Volta coastline to the Atlantic Ocean.
Ghana |Atinkaoline.com |Ebenezer Madugu
