Residents of the Anlo Beach Community in the Shama District of the Western Region are facing significant distress due to powerful tidal waves that are threatening to submerge their homes and displace them.
The relentless waves have already destroyed more than 500 houses, leaving numerous families without shelter and in urgent need of assistance.
A local resident shared with Channel One News the profound effects these tidal waves have had on his family and community.
“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 act swiftly to address their crisis and safeguard their homes and livelihoods from the destructive tidal waves.