Member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) communications team Vincent Letsa Kobla Djokoto has touted the ability of the party to help bring reprieve to natives of Keta and its environs regarding seasonal flooding in the area.

The corporate executive says the party’s manifesto which promises to establish a port in Keta would not only drive traffic to the community but will also contribute to assuaging the adverse effects of heavy rainfall and the sea breaking its barriers.

Mr Djokoto who is the Managing Partner of D.K.T Djokoto & Co. says a properly constructed project will include drainage systems.

“Ports often involve significant infrastructure development, including drainage systems that can channel stormwater away from vulnerable areas, reducing flood risk.”

Ports can also incorporate storm surge barriers or sea walls to protect both the port infrastructure and surrounding coastal communities from flooding caused by high tides and storms” Mr. Djokoto said on the sidelines of an engagement with energy sector players hosted by NDC flag bearer John Mahama.

He added that this will be a colossal investment which would avoid disruption to the communities as “virtually erratic coastal floods and erosion worsen with rising sea levels within the area”.

“This is leaving the communities, properties, and critical infrastructure increasingly vulnerable,” he said.

The party has promised in its 2024 manifest to “partner the private sector to develop and operate the Port of Keta in the Volta Region to facilitate economic opportunities in Oti, Volta, Northern, and some parts of the Savannah regions”.

The Keta Port project has yet to see fruition despite President Nana Akufo-Addo appointing private legal practitioner Dr Alexander Y. Adusei Jr. as Director for Keta Port in 2019.

The controversy surrounding the project has caused much disaffection which former president Mahama promising an audit should he return to power in 2025.

Meanwhile, the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) insists that progress is being made.

“This project has never been an event, it has been a process. We have completed feasibility and environmental impact assessment and we are waiting for approval.

Once these two things come together then we will have a viable project to move forward with.” Dr Adusei told reporters at a visit to the site earlier in September.