After years of devastating tidal waves and urgent calls for intervention, residents of Agavedzi, Salakope, and surrounding coastal communities can finally breathe a sigh of relief.

The Government of Ghana has awarded the long-awaited Phase II of the Blekusu Sea Defence Project to Amandi Holdings Ltd., marking the official start of construction works aimed at protecting lives, homes, and livelihoods along the coastline.

The Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu, broke the news in a Facebook post that has since sparked widespread excitement among affected communities.

He confirmed that Amandi is already on site, mobilizing equipment and setting up an operational base at Azizadzi in preparation for full-scale construction.

“I’m pleased to inform you that the Phase II of the Blekusu Sea Defence Project has officially been awarded to Amandi,” Mr Gunu announced.

“The company is currently mobilizing and setting up its operational base at Azizadzi, ahead of full-scale commencement of construction works.”

In anticipation of the project’s commencement, the Volta Regional Coordinating Council (VRCC), with support from Eximbank, has made temporary shelters available for affected residents. This allows people to move to higher ground, ensuring both their safety and an uninterrupted construction process.

Mr Gunu also disclosed ongoing efforts to provide a permanent housing solution for victims displaced by tidal waves.

“We are working on a housing project which will serve as a permanent resettlement solution for displaced victims,” he said.

In addition to shelter, the government has pledged continued provision of food supplies and access to medical care, emphasizing its commitment to the well-being of affected residents during this critical period.

News of the project’s commencement has been met with visible excitement across the coastal belt. In Agavedzi and Salakope, jubilant residents say the announcement marks a turning point in their long struggle against the ravaging sea.

Madam Yawo, a widow in Salakope who lost her home to tidal waves last year, expressed her joy:

“We have waited too long for this. I thank God and the government. Finally, we can sleep in peace knowing help is on the way.”

Mr. Mawuli of Agavedzi added: “The sea has been eating our land every year. If this project is done well, we’ll have our lives back.”

Local leaders have encouraged residents to cooperate fully with authorities and contractors to ensure smooth progress on the project.

Mr Gunu also used the opportunity to express gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama for his consistent support of coastal protection efforts.

“On behalf of the good people of the Volta Region, I express my profound gratitude to H.E. John Dramani Mahama for his unwavering commitment to the coastal protection project and for continuously standing with the people of Volta Region.”

The Blekusu Sea Defence Project, initiated during the Mahama administration, forms part of a broader government strategy to protect Ghana’s vulnerable coastal communities from rising sea levels and climate-induced disasters.

With Phase II now officially underway, optimism is high that this intervention will offer lasting relief to coastal dwellers and pave the way for economic stability and improved living conditions.