The Member of Parliament for Ablekuma West, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, has issued a heartfelt call to the government, urging for immediate action to construct a sea defence wall at Gbegbesie-Shiabu in Dansoman to protect residents from the devastating effects of tidal waves.
In an emotionally charged interview with 3news.com, Owusu-Ekuful expressed deep concern over the escalating destruction caused by tidal waves, which have displaced several families in her constituency. The MP lamented the severe impact of the waves, which have already engulfed key areas within the community, including roads and homes.
“The sea is really causing havoc. The places where we stood to campaign in 2020 are now submerged under water,” she said. “The main road in the community is at risk of being washed away. We worked hard to asphalt that road in 2020, and now all that investment is in danger. If the government does not urgently extend the sea defence wall beyond Akweteiman, the communities further along the coastline will continue to suffer.”
Owusu-Ekuful’s plea comes as parts of Dansoman face repeated flooding and severe tidal wave damage. In 2021, six communities in the area, including Glefe, Ebenezer Down, Shiabu, and Gbegbesie, were submerged in floodwaters after heavy rains. The MP stressed that, without immediate intervention, the risk to lives and property in the affected areas will only grow.
Urgent Need for Action
Owusu-Ekuful emphasized the dire need for the government to act swiftly to protect the residents of Dansoman from the twin threats of tidal waves and flooding. The sea defence wall, she explained, is critical to preventing further destruction, but progress has stalled due to bureaucratic delays.
“The necessary documentation and paperwork have all been completed,” she explained. “We are just waiting for the Finance Ministry to approve funding so work can begin. The contractor is even willing to start without pay—they only need official approval to get started.”
Owusu-Ekuful warned that, if the sea defence wall is not built soon, the entire Dansoman area could be affected. “Right now, the only barrier between us and the sea is the road,” she said. “And that is not enough. Many of the communities are already below sea level. If we don’t act fast, we risk losing everything.”
Her emotional appeal reflects the urgency of the situation. “The residents are desperate. They are living in constant fear of the sea breaking through. I will not rest until the construction begins,” she vowed, her voice choked with emotion.
A Community on the Edge
The threat of rising tides and the devastation caused by flooding have left many Dansoman residents living in a state of constant anxiety. In addition to the physical destruction, the emotional toll on the community is growing. Families who have already lost their homes in previous years are at risk of being displaced again, while businesses that once thrived along the coastline face uncertain futures.
Owusu-Ekuful’s call for action reflects the deep frustration felt by many in the constituency, who are watching as the sea continues to encroach upon their homes, livelihoods, and infrastructure. The MP’s impassioned plea is not just a political statement—it is a desperate cry for help from a community on the brink.
A Future at Risk
The construction of a sea defence wall is not just an infrastructure project; it is a lifeline for the people of Dansoman. With the threat of further destruction from tidal waves and flooding looming large, the need for a swift response from the government has never been more urgent.
The residents of Dansoman are looking to their leaders for action, and they hope that the government will not wait until it is too late to protect them.
Owusu-Ekuful’s determination to see this project through is a testament to her commitment to her constituents and their future. However, the ultimate success of the sea defence project lies in the hands of the government, which must move quickly to secure the funding and begin construction before it’s too late.
Until that happens, the people of Dansoman will continue to live in fear of the rising sea, hoping that their leaders will take the necessary steps to secure their future.
Source: 3news.com
