For eight long years, the people of Keta and Anlo have faced a persistent cycle of broken promises, neglect, and a glaring lack of government recognition.
This neglect has taken various forms, ranging from inadequate responses to natural disasters to unfulfilled pledges of developmental projects. Most recently, the tragic incident involving the untimely death of Maya and the subsequent lack of justice epitomizes the government’s disregard for our community. This article seeks to shed light on these issues and demand immediate action and accountability.
The Aftermath of Tidal Waves: A Community in Despair
Our region was utterly despairing after devastating tidal waves that swept through Keta and neighbouring Anlo communities. Homes were destroyed, livelihoods disrupted, and our very land eroded. Despite the situation’s urgency, the government’s response has been woefully inadequate. Promises of aid and rehabilitation have gone unfulfilled, leaving the resilient people of Keta to fend for themselves. Is distributing mattresses, rice, and oil the solution we deserve?
The lack of decisive action in the wake of these tidal waves is not just a governance failure but a stark display of disregard for the safety and well-being of our community. The government’s inertia raises severe doubts about its commitment to safeguarding vulnerable communities.
The Hollow Promise of a Landing Beach
Among the pledges made to our community was the construction of a landing beach. This initiative was meant to bolster the local economy, enhance facilities for fishermen, and upgrade Keta’s infrastructure. Yet, while other communities have seen their promised landing beaches materialize, Keta must be more conspicuously noticed.
This selective fulfilment of promises is not only unjust but discriminatory. The people of Keta and Anlo contribute to Ghana’s tax base and deserve equitable attention and development. The government’s failure to deliver on this commitment underscores its indifference to our needs and contributions.
The Rejection of KetaFC’s AstroTurf Proposal
Vice President Dr Mahamoud Bawumia’s announcement of 100 AstroTurf facilities brought hope to many communities, including Keta. Keta Football Club, a beacon of community pride and youth engagement, applied for consideration but was turned away under the pretext that these facilities were reserved for “strategic locations.” This decision is illogical and disrespectful to the aspirations of our Anlo youth.
Sports and recreational facilities are vital for youth development, community engagement, and well-being. By denying KetaFC access to this initiative, the government stifles our youth’s potential and neglects investments in our community’s future.
The Elusive Keta Port Project
The Keta Port Project, touted as a transformative development initiative, has yet to thrive with significant progress. Despite repeated announcements and grand promises, the project must be completed.
This lack of momentum is disappointing and a missed opportunity for economic growth and job creation in our region. The Keta Port Project has the potential to revolutionize our economic landscape by generating employment, boosting trade, and attracting investments.
The government’s failure to advance this project underscores its lack of commitment to fair development and regional inclusivity.
What Have the People of Keta and Anlo Done Wrong?
The fundamental question arising from years of neglect is this: Are the people of Keta and Anlo undeserving of national resources? Do we not contribute to the national economy and merit our fair share of developmental projects and government attention? The ongoing neglect of our community by the government serves as a stark reminder of the systemic inequalities that persist in our nation.
We urge the government to:
- Improve Water and Electricity Access: Address the lack of essential services in Keta and Anlo.
- Implement Disaster Prevention Plans: Provide immediate aid and develop long-term solutions to prevent future tidal wave disasters.
- Fulfil Promises: Construct the promised landing beach in Keta and expedite the Keta Port Project to stimulate the local economy and support fishermen.
- Reconsider AstroTurf Allocation: Ensure equitable access to sports facilities, including for KetaFC, to foster youth development and community engagement.
- Ensure Justice for Maya: Prioritize the investigation into Maya’s death and deliver justice swiftly. Community safety must be paramount.
The resilient people of Keta and Anlo deserve better. We have endured eight years of broken promises and neglect. We are Ghanaian citizens, taxpayers, and contributors to national progress. It is time for the government to rectify these injustices, ensure equitable development, and allocate resources fairly to Keta and Anlo.
Enyonam Adzo Apetorgbor
CEO, Keta Investment Promotion Centre
July 23, 2024
