Torgbui Adzenu III raises alarm over coastal erosion in Fuveme

Torgbui Adzenu III, the Dufia of Dzodze Apeyeme, has expressed deep concern over the worsening coastal erosion in Fuveme in the Anloga District, describing the situation as devastating and a serious threat to livelihoods and human survival.

Speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency after a fact-finding visit to the area, Torgbui Adzenu said the scale of destruction caused by the advancing sea was alarming and required urgent intervention.

He explained that the impact of the erosion had gone beyond environmental damage and had become a humanitarian crisis, with homes, farmlands and fishing activities already lost to the sea.

“It is painful to witness the level of destruction in Fuveme. People are losing their homes, their livelihoods and their security. Entire communities have been washed away, and the people are living in fear and uncertainty,” he said.

Torgbui Adzenu was part of a delegation sent by Torgbui Sri III, Awormefia of Anlo, to assess the extent of damage in Fuveme and surrounding coastal communities ahead of a planned visit by President John Dramani Mahama.

The delegation was tasked to conduct a first hand assessment of the impact of recurring tidal waves and coastal erosion and to brief the Anlo Traditional Council and government on the urgent needs of affected residents.

During the visit, the team toured affected areas, inspected destroyed homes and community infrastructure, and interacted with residents whose lives have been severely disrupted by the persistent sea invasion.

He noted that the findings of the delegation, together with an earlier assessment by the Volta Regional Minister, informed the subsequent visit by President Mahama to the area.

Following his visit, President Mahama acknowledged the severity of the destruction and assured residents of government’s commitment to protecting the coastal stretch through the implementation of the West Africa Coastal Areas resilience project.

Torgbui Adzenu said the President’s assurance had renewed hope among residents, many of whom have lived for years under the constant threat of displacement.

He added that the proposed intervention under the project is expected to provide long term protection for vulnerable coastal communities, restore livelihoods and reduce the impact of tidal waves.

He commended the President and the Volta Regional Minister for their prompt response but stressed the need for swift action.

“The people have suffered enough. What they need now is urgent and lasting action. The sea continues to threaten lives and livelihoods every day, and we must act before more communities are lost,” he said.

He further called for sustained collaboration between government, traditional authorities and development partners to protect coastal communities in the Volta Region from erosion and climate related threats.