More than 50 communities in the Anlo District could be submerged by June or July if urgent steps are not taken to address worsening coastal erosion and flooding along the Volta coastline, the Member of Parliament for Anlo, Richard Kwame Sefe, has warned.
Speaking, the MP described the situation as a long-standing environmental crisis that authorities have been aware of for years but have yet to resolve.
“If this issue is not addressed by June or July, I can assure you that most of those communities will be under water,” he cautioned.
Mr Sefe identified several at-risk communities, including Hatorgodo, Anyarko, Seva, Ablove, and Anlo-Afiadeyigba, saying they are facing immediate danger.
He explained that the situation has worsened over the past decade following the suspension of regular dredging activities at the estuary by the Volta River Authority.
According to him, the annual dredging exercise previously allowed excess water from the Volta River to flow freely into the sea during peak periods. However, since the practice stopped about 13 to 14 years ago, floodwaters are now being pushed inland, causing widespread destruction in nearby communities.
The MP added that the overflow is also putting pressure on the Keta Lagoon system, which he described as functioning like a reservoir for excess water.
He noted that the impact of the flooding extends beyond Anlo, affecting at least six districts, including Anlo, Keta, South Tongu, Ketu South, Akatsi South, and Ketu North.
Mr Sefe is calling for urgent intervention to help prevent further displacement and destruction, especially as the rainy season intensifies.