Enyonam Adzo Apetorgbor
For eight long years, the people of Keta and Anlo have endured a series of unfulfilled promises, blatant neglect, and a disturbing lack of respect from the government.
This neglect has manifested in various forms, from the lack of response to natural disasters to the unfulfilled promises of development projects. Most recently, the tragic death of a young man named Maya, and the subsequent lack of justice, underscores the government's disregard for our community. This article aims to highlight these issues and call for immediate action and accountability.
The Aftermath of Tidal Waves: A community in despair
In the wake of severe tidal waves that ravaged Keta and other communities in Anlo, our community was left in despair. Homes were destroyed, livelihoods were disrupted, and the very land we call home was significantly eroded. Despite the urgency of the situation, the government’s response has been nothing short of abysmal. Promises of aid and rehabilitation have remained unfulfilled, leaving the people of Keta to fend for themselves. Should mattresses, rice and oil be the solution?
The lack of action in the aftermath of the tidal waves is not just a failure of governance but a blatant disregard for the safety and well-being of our community. The government's inaction raises serious questions about its commitment to protecting vulnerable communities.
The empty promise of a landing beach
Among the many promises made to our community was the construction of a landing beach. This project was intended to boost the local economy, provide better facilities for fishermen, and enhance the overall infrastructure of Keta. However, while other communities on the list have seen their landing beaches constructed, Keta remains conspicuously neglected.
This selective fulfillment of promises is not only unfair but also discriminatory. The people of Keta and Anlo are tax-paying citizens who deserve the same level of attention and development as any other community in Ghana. The government's failure to deliver on this promise is a clear indication of its disregard for our needs and contributions.
The rejection of Keta FC's AstroTurf request
The announcement of 100 AstroTurf facilities by His Excellency the Vice President, Dr. Mahamoud Bawumia was a beacon of hope for many communities, including Keta. Keta Football club, a symbol of community pride and youth engagement, applied for consideration but was met with the response that these facilities were reserved for "strategic locations." This response and decision to us is both illogical and disrespectful to the aspirations of our youth of Anlo.
Sports and recreational facilities are essential for youth development, community engagement, and overall well-being. By denying KetaFC the opportunity to benefit from this initiative, the government is stifling the potential of our youth and failing to invest in the future of our community.
The Keta Port Project
The Keta Port Project, touted as a significant development initiative, has become a mirage and seen no substantial progress. Despite numerous announcements and grand promises, the project remains in limbo. This lack of progress is not only disappointing but also a missed opportunity for economic development and job creation in our region. The Keta Port Project holds the potential to transform the economic landscape of our community, providing jobs, boosting trade, and attracting investment. The government’s failure to advance this project reflects a lack of commitment to equitable development and regional inclusivity.
What wrong have people of Keta and Anlo done?
The fundamental question that arises from these repeated neglects is: Are the people of Keta and Anlo undeserving of the national cake? Do we not contribute to the national economy and deserve our fair share of development projects and government attention? The government's continued neglect of our community is a stark reminder of the systemic inequalities that persist in our country.
We call on the government to:
- Improvement in water and electricity access for the unserved communities in Keta and Anlo.
- Provide an Immediate Future Disaster Prevention Plan: Address the aftermath of the tidal waves by providing the necessary aid and implementing long-term solutions to prevent future occurrences.
- Fulfill the Landing Beach Promise & Advance the Keta Port Project:: Construct the promised landing beach in Keta to boost the local economy and support our fishermen. Expedite the development of the Keta Port Project to create jobs, attract investment, and drive economic growth in our region.
- Reconsider AstroTurf Allocation: Ensure that KetaFC and other deserving communities are included in the AstroTurf initiative to promote youth development and community engagement.
- Ensure Justice for Maya: Prioritize the investigation of Maya’s death and ensure that justice is served. The safety and security of our community must be a top priority.
The good people of Keta and Anlo deserve better. We have endured eight years of unfulfilled promises and neglect. We are Ghanaians, taxpayers, and citizens deserving of respect and development. The government must act now to rectify these injustices and ensure that Keta and Anlo receive their fair share of attention and resources.
Enyonam Adzo Apetorgbor
(CEO, Keta Investment Promotion Centre)
