— Calls for Inclusive Development and Timely Completion of Coastal Protection Project
A parliamentary oversight visit to the Amutinu-Salakofe Sea Defense Project in the Volta Region has shifted focus from construction progress to the urgent need for livelihood restoration and community resilience among residents displaced or affected by tidal waves.
During a working inspection, the Chairman of Parliament’s Works and Housing Committee, Mr. Vincent Oppong Asamoah, commended the government and contractors for the steady advancement of the project but cautioned that protecting the coastline must go hand-in-hand with securing the economic wellbeing of the people.
“When you are taking them away from the sea, you need to provide them with an alternative source of life,” he said.
“We cannot think only about the structures — we must think about the people and how they will live beyond fishing.”
Mr. Oppong Asamoah urged the government to prioritise livelihood alternatives, especially for fisherfolk and traders whose economic survival depends on the coast. He also encouraged private sector participation and investment in the area, noting that improved coastal safety could attract new economic opportunities.
The committee’s visit, which forms part of Parliament’s oversight duties ahead of its October 21 sitting, assessed the progress of the GH¢919 million sea defense initiative being prefinanced by Amandi Holdings.
According to Mr. Ehud-Deri, the Project Director of Amandi Holdings, the project — which commenced in 2025 — is expected to protect eight kilometres of shoreline through the construction of 37 groins, one every month, with a completion target of July 2028.
He assured the committee that work was progressing on schedule, barring unforeseen natural or technical disruptions, and acknowledged the community’s cooperation despite environmental challenges such as erosion.
The Ranking Member of the Committee, Mr. Alexander Agyare, underscored the need for timely payment to contractors to sustain momentum. He added that the reclaimed land must be well-planned to benefit both relocated and existing residents, including the temporary relocation of households endangered by sea intrusion.
Local leaders, however, expressed a blend of optimism and anxiety. Mr. Sylvester Kumawu, the Assembly Member for Amutinu-Salakofe, said residents welcomed the project’s progress but were worried about relocation and loss of livelihoods tied to fishing.
“It is my hope that the sea defense project will be completed as soon as possible to protect the remaining properties and communities,” he told journalists.
Mr. Opoku Gyasi, Headmaster of the Amutinu M/A Basic School, lamented that the school’s enrollment had dropped drastically as families moved inland for safety. He appealed for government intervention to relocate the school to a secure site and preserve access to education for displaced children.
Committee members also appealed to Amandi Holdings to consider corporate social responsibility initiatives, including the reconstruction of damaged community infrastructure such as schools and health facilities.
As the sea defense works advance, the people of Amutinu-Salakofe remain hopeful that the project will not only shield them from the devastating effects of tidal waves but also open new pathways for sustainable development and community renewal.
