The Member of Parliament (MP) for Evaloe Adjomoro-Gwira, Hon. Kofi Arko-Nokoe, on Friday, April 4, 2025, inspected ongoing work on Phase Two of the sea defence project in Axim.
The inspection afforded him and his team the opportunity to address some concerns raised by fisherfolk, as well as defects observed following the completion of Phase One of the project.
Hon. Kofi Arko-Nokoe was accompanied by the Assembly Member for Lower Axim, Hon. Kassum Braimah; the Chief Fisherman, Nana Poku; Mr. Mike Bill, former Election Director of the NDC; some members of the fishing community; and Public Health Engineers.
One of the concerns raised during the inspection was that, in the first phase of the project, the drains linking to the sea were neglected. Construction was carried out without connecting the drains to the sea, thereby blocking the natural water flow.
As a result, the fisherfolk observed that this caused problems, as rainwater found it difficult to flow into the sea due to obstructions caused by the sea defence structure.
Hon. Kofi Arko-Nokoe said that now that Phase Two of the project is ongoing, it is necessary to raise the concern so that the drains in the affected areas linking to the sea will be considered, and a possible solution can be found.
The MP stated, “This time around, the engineers should try as much as possible to link the drains to the sea.”
He noted that after the completion of Phase One, fisherfolk have been facing great difficulty landing their canoes after returning from sea, as tidal waves have been damaging the canoes, leading to loss of lives and property.
“People died within the last two years, including last year,” he added.
Hon. Kofi Arko-Nokoe said there is now a need for a water bridge system at the point where the tidal waves begin.
The MP urged the MPH engineers to collaborate closely with the community in the interest of peace and sustainable development.
By Kodwo Nyamekeh
