For years, residents of Agavedzi and surrounding coastal communities in the Ketu South Municipality have lived on edge—sleeping with one eye open, fearing the next tidal wave that could swallow their homes, destroy their fishing gear, and uproot their lives once again.

Today, for the first time in a long while, many say they feel seen and heard.

President John Dramani Mahama’s official groundbreaking of Phase II of the Blekusu Sea Defence Project has sparked a wave of relief and gratitude among residents who have suffered the devastating impacts of unchecked coastal erosion for over a decade.

“It hasn’t been easy,” said Madam Esi, a fishmonger in Agavedzi. “Sometimes the sea comes in the night and washes away everything. Our homes, our ovens, even our nets. We rebuild—and it comes again.”

The second phase of the sea defence project is set to extend the existing barrier by an additional 8 kilometers, protecting towns like Agavedzi, Salakope, and Amutinu.

The intervention, which builds on the initial phase completed in 2016 under Mahama’s leadership, is being executed by the Ministry of Works and Housing through the Hydrological Services Department and the contract awarded to Amandi Construction

The first phase, residents recall, brought a measure of peace to Blekusu and parts of Anloga. But for those outside its coverage, the suffering only intensified as rising sea levels and aggressive tidal waves swept through.

“I’ve lost my house twice,” recounted Efo Kofi Aseku, a fisherman. “Each time, I have to go and start over again. My children can't even go to school some days because everything gets wet or buried in sand. This project is our only hope.”

At the ceremony, traditional leaders, youth groups, and community members cheered as former President Mahama reaffirmed his commitment to inclusive development. He called for continuity in critical infrastructure projects, especially those that protect vulnerable populations.

“This is not politics,” said a traditional ruler of Agavedzi. “This is life and death. And we are grateful that Mr. Mahama has not forgotten us.”

Beyond physical protection, residents believe the sea defence project will help revive the coastal economy. Many have lost their fishing equipment, salt pans, and businesses to the sea, pushing families deeper into poverty.

With Phase II underway, hope is returning.

“This sea wall means my children won’t have to go through what I went through,” Daavi Ami added. “We can finally breathe.”

The Blekusu Sea Defence Project remains a vital safeguard for the eastern Volta coastline—a region that has endured nature’s wrath for far too long.