More than 50 communities in Ghana’s Volta Region could be submerged by mid-year if urgent steps are not taken to address worsening coastal erosion and flooding, the Member of Parliament for Anlo, Richard Kwame Sefe, has warned.
Speaking in a recent interview, Mr Sefe described the situation as a long-standing environmental crisis that has persisted for years without resolution. He cautioned that communities such as Hatorgodo, Anyarko, Seva, Ablove and Anlo-Afiadeyigba are at imminent risk.
According to him, the problem has intensified over the past decade following the suspension of regular dredging at the estuary by the Volta River Authority (VRA). He explained that the dredging previously enabled excess water from the Volta River to flow into the sea, but its absence has caused floodwaters to spill into nearby communities.
Mr Sefe added that the overflow is also putting pressure on the Keta Lagoon, which now serves as a holding area for excess water. He noted that the crisis extends beyond Anlo to affect at least six districts, including Keta, South Tongu, Ketu South, Akatsi South and Ketu North.
He is calling for immediate intervention to prevent widespread flooding, displacement and destruction as the rainy season approaches.