The Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu, has declared a state of emergency in response to severe coastal erosion that has displaced residents and destroyed properties in parts of southern Volta.

In the past week, powerful tidal waves have battered communities in the Ketu South Municipality, sweeping away homes and other structures.

Describing the situation as a national security concern, Mr. Gunu has called for immediate intervention to safeguard lives and livelihoods.

“I have actually made it a national security issue, houses have been washed away, cemeteries are gone and a lot of things and the psychological trauma that the people are going through including children and women calls for urgent action,” he emphasized.

He made the remarks at a meeting between the Volta Regional Security Council and the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) at Tokor in the Ketu South Municipality.

According to Mr. Gunu, an assessment has shown that many of the affected communities are below sea level, making them highly vulnerable to further destruction.

“If nothing is done urgently and we allow the sea to cross the road continuously, the degree of devastation that we will see cannot be contained,” he warned.

As part of relief efforts, the minister distributed emergency supplies to over 510 affected individuals. He assured residents that the government was committed to addressing the crisis.

However, community members stressed that relief supplies were not a long-term solution. Instead, they called for the completion of the sea defence project to protect their homes.

“We don’t need rice or maize. All we need is for them to complete the sea defence so we can be safe and take care of ourselves,” said Makafui Atayi, a resident.

Meanwhile, the Ghana Gas shelter project, which was meant to provide 15 units of two-bedroom apartments for relocation, has stalled. Residents are hoping for its swift completion to aid a planned evacuation process.