The minister of finance has hinted that 10 million Ghana Cedis will be allocated to complete feasibility engineering studies for coastal communities affected by the tidal waves.
The Finance Minister, Mr. Ken Ofori Atta, speaking at the press briefing on Monday indicated that the allocation of the 10million Ghana Cedis is to help mitigate the tidal wave disasters along the affected coastal areas in the country.
“In respect of the tidal waves which have rendered about 3000 people homeless in Keta, Ketu south and Anloga constituencies we shall make the necessary budgetary allocations of at least 10 million Ghana Cedis to complete the feasibility engineering studies for the coastal communities adversely affected.”
Sea erosion and tidal waves are not new in Ghana. The sea has been eating up land space in more than a dozen coastal communities, from Elubo- on the western border- to Aflao, on the east. But now, the rate- and impact- is alarming.
In Keta, more than 3,000 people were displaced and property running into hundreds of thousands was swallowed by the sea a month ago.
After the presentation of the budget in parliament on November 17, there have been several calls on the President by the minority in parliament to make amendments to the budget and especially pay attention to the tidal wave disasters.
In wake of this, the finance minister said the feasibility studies will be widened to protect Ghana’s 540Km of coastline.
“We will broaden the scope of the study to consider a more comprehensive solution to protect Ghana’s 540km of coastline including the 149km between Aflao and Prampram.”
Meanwhile, the finance minister said NADMO has responded to the humanitarian crisis created by the tidal waves on the coastline.
Pending their approval of the 2022 budget, the minority in parliament also demanded the withdrawal of the Agyapa deal, suspension of the proposed 1.75% e-levy, and a review of the benchmark value for imports.
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Source: Richard Osei Korankye/ATLFMNEWS
