The Anlo Youth Council (AYC) has reiterated its call for urgent and sustained action to protect coastal communities in the Volta Region, even as the government and development partners signal renewed commitment to sea defence and resettlement efforts.

In a statement issued by the Council, Godsway Hanyabui, Vice President in charge of Operations, expressed cautious optimism over recent developments but called for continued unity, vigilance, and community engagement.

“The people of Anlo have suffered for too long. Generations have watched their homes, lands, and memories swallowed by the sea,” Mr Hanyabui said. “We are cautiously optimistic about the recent developments and are calling on all Anlo youth and affected communities to remain united, proactive, and watchful.”

The renewed appeal follows a high-level meeting between the Volta Regional Minister and the West Africa Coastal Areas (WACA) Resilience Investment Project, during which it was confirmed that the long-delayed Agavedzi to Aflao Sea Defence Project has been captured in Ghana’s 2025 National Budget.

For years, communities in Anloga, Ketu South, and Keta have been battered by tidal waves, losing homes, schools, farmland, and even ancestral cemeteries. The AYC has consistently been a vocal advocate, pushing for sustainable and comprehensive solutions to address the coastal erosion crisis.

The inclusion of the Agavedzi to Aflao Sea Defence Project in the national budget represents a major milestone. The project scope now extends beyond shoreline protection to include land reclamation, a shift that experts say is essential for long-term coastal resilience.

The Volta Regional Minister disclosed that the project is currently awaiting financial clearance, and a contractor is expected to mobilise to the site soon.

Meanwhile, the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) is coordinating temporary relief for displaced families. Tents and other emergency supplies are being procured to aid those left without shelter following recent tidal wave incidents.

To address permanent housing needs, Ghana Gas is also finalising an agreement to support the completion of resettlement units that are already under construction.

The long-term coastal strategy is also being informed by an ongoing WACA Resilience Feasibility Study, which includes sediment flow analysis and community consultations across the Anlo State — covering Anloga, Ketu South, and Keta Municipalities. The study aims to develop scientifically sound and community-sensitive solutions that avoid the shortcomings of past piecemeal interventions.

“We are grateful to the Regional Minister and the technical agencies for their responsiveness. But our work is not done,” Hanyabui stated.

“Let us continue to remain vigilant, united, and supportive of this effort to secure our coastline and protect our future. Together, we rise with the tide, not to be swept away by it.”

The AYC reiterated its commitment to holding authorities accountable while mobilising local participation to ensure the resilience agenda delivers real and lasting impact.