By Evans Worlanyo Ameamu
Salakope (VR), March 8, GNA – Togbi Nyaho Tamekloe VI,”Miafiaga” of Anlo State, and the Paramount chief and President of Kome Shime Traditional council, in the Anloga District of the Volta Region, has toured tidal wave affected areas in the Ketu South Municipality.
The move, according to him, was to commiserate with the tidal wave’s victims at Salakope, Amutsinu and Agavedzi and the surrounding communities as well as advocate for support to alleviate their plights.
Togbi Tamekloe, who is also the “Dufia” of Wuti and Head of Royal ‘Adzovia’ clan, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, said that the devastating situation suffered by the victims needed urgent support to safeguard life and property.
“I have heard and seen many disturbing footages about the situation, l was deeply worried and concerned, that’s why l am here to see how the situation has affected our people and seek immediate support for them,” he said.
He explained that the only road network linking Keta through Denu to Aflao and neighboring country Togo would be cut off completely and expressed concerned that drastic measures are to be put in place to prevent more havoc from the sea.
He said that the affected areas were among the 36 States of Anloland and the daily economic activities of victims were seriously affected and needed better alternative measures to create jobs and improve livelihood.
“My main objective of coming here today is to advocate for support for our people in Salakope, Amutsinu and Agavedzi and l will present this report to our development partners in other countries and l sure that they will help us find lasting solution to this tidal wave issues.”
Togbi Tamekloe urged Ghanaians to provide various form of support to the victims adding that,” government alone cannot do this, we need to support government with the little we have for our own benefit, it is very hard to see our own people suffering from this dire situation, it is sad.”
He also commended President John Dramani Mahama, his brother Mr Ibrahim Mahama, Mr James Gunu, Volta Regional Minister and other individuals and government officials who have played various roles in making sure that the residents were psychologically fit and protected from the devastating situation.
He appealed to the government to speed up plans to build sea defense wall while other individuals, philanthropists, and organisation would also seek help from benevolence entities to support the victims to prevent further destruction.
Mr Ebenezer Assah, the assembly member of Salakope also told the GNA that over 300 people with about 50 homes were destroyed by the tidal wave devastation which started on February 16 this year.
He also expressed gratitude to President John Dramani and all individuals who supporting them during difficult situations and urged government to as a matter of urgency construct the sea defense wall and reclaimed the land from the sea as promised.
Meanwhile, President Mahama and other government officials have visited the tidal wave affected communities in the areas and donated cash and relief items to the victims.
The president promised that a budget would be allocated for the second phase of Blekusu sea defense wall construction to safeguard the coastal lands and communities and mitigate the damages.
Some residents GNA engaged expressed hope that the government will provide a lasting solution to their tidal wave destruction situation to ensure a better future for affected communities.
They commended Togbi Tamekloe’s advocacy and the government’s response were crucial steps towards addressing the situation.
GNA
MA/LAA