Residents of Gbegbeyise and Shiabu, coastal communities in the Ablekuma West Municipality of the Greater Accra Region, can now heave a sigh of relief as construction of a five-kilometer sea defense wall has officially commenced.
The long-awaited project, which was initiated after several years of distress due to flooding and tidal wave damage, promises to bring much-needed protection to the area’s vulnerable residents.
The announcement of the project comes just days after a passionate appeal from Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Ablekuma West, to the Ministry of Works and Housing and the Ministry of Finance. Her call for urgent intervention was sparked by the increasing frequency of flooding and the persistent destruction caused by rising tides along the coastline.
In 2021, several communities, including Glefe, Ebenezer Down, Shiabu, and Gbegbeyise, were severely affected by flash floods after heavy rains, displacing families and damaging property. The persistent threat of tidal waves and the erosion of the coastline have left many residents living in constant fear for their lives and property.
In her appeal, Owusu-Ekuful warned that, without swift action, the risks to human life and local infrastructure would continue to escalate, with even greater consequences for the local economy.
A Desperate Call for Help
The destruction caused by these natural disasters has not only been physical but emotional as well. Many families have lost their homes, and businesses that once flourished along the coastline are now in jeopardy.
The residents of Dansoman have lived with the anxiety of possible displacement for years, watching as the sea slowly encroaches on their livelihoods. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful’s plea to the central government was not only a political request but also a heartfelt cry from a community on the edge, desperate for a solution.
Following a tour of the affected areas with the Municipal Chief Executive, George Cyril, and representatives from the Ministry of Works and Housing, it was revealed that a contractor had been mobilized to commence the construction of the sea defense wall. On December 2, 2024, the contractor, Hard Rock Company, began work on-site, much to the relief and surprise of local residents.
Ministerial Support and Project Timeline
During a media briefing, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, along with the Minister for Works and Housing, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, provided further details on the project.
The sea defense wall, which is expected to stretch for five kilometers along the coast, will be completed within 36 months. However, the Minister emphasized that the government is committed to fast-tracking the work to mitigate further damage.
“We understand the urgency of this project. While the construction will take approximately 36 months, we are working closely with the contractor to ensure that the project is completed as quickly as possible,” Minister Oppong Nkrumah said. “We are urging the contractor to expedite the work, considering the imminent threat to the people and property in the area.”
Call for Community Support
As construction activities begin, MP Ursula Owusu-Ekuful made an impassioned plea to the residents of Gbegbeyise, Shiabu, and surrounding communities to support the ongoing work. She urged them to cooperate with the contractor and avoid any disruptions that could delay the project.
“The contractor is on-site with the necessary equipment and resources to begin work. It is crucial that we allow the project to proceed without interference. A lot of planning has gone into this, and we need the full support of the community to ensure its success,” she said.
Owusu-Ekuful also took the opportunity to highlight the importance of continued political support for the projects she has initiated in the constituency. “I have been working hard to bring development to Ablekuma West. The sea defense project is just one example of how we are addressing critical issues in our community. I ask for your support in the upcoming elections so that I can continue this work and complete the vital projects that are underway. A change in leadership could jeopardize these initiatives, and we cannot afford to let that happen.”
A Lifeline for Dansoman’s Future
The sea defense project is much more than an infrastructure improvement—it’s a lifeline for the residents of Dansoman. For years, the threat of flooding and rising sea levels has undermined the security of local families, businesses, and communities.
The construction of the sea defense wall is expected to protect against further coastal erosion and minimize the damage from tidal surges, helping to restore stability and confidence in the area.
Residents are hopeful that, with the completion of the sea defense, some of the lands lost to the sea will be restored, and the community will be able to rebuild. The ongoing construction is not just a promise of physical security but also a signal of hope that the government is listening to the urgent needs of the people.
With the threat of further destruction looming, the timely intervention of the government has provided a sense of relief. The residents of Gbegbeyise, Shiabu, and other coastal areas are looking forward to a future where they can live and work without the constant fear of natural disasters.
As the project progresses, the focus will remain on ensuring that the sea defense wall is completed on time and to the highest standards, safeguarding the people and the future of the Ablekuma West Municipality.
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The post Residents of Gbegbeyise welcome construction of sea defence wall by Works Ministry first appeared on 3News.
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