By Love Wilhelmina Abanonave
President John Dramani Mahama has cautioned coastal residents in Fuveme against cutting mangroves for firewood, warning that the practice weakens natural protection against tidal waves and flooding.
“I noticed as we were coming here that some people have made a business of cutting mangroves for firewood,” he said during a visit to the Volta Region community, which has been affected by recent tidal waves. “They do not realise that the mangroves are part of what is protecting them from the water.”
The President visited Fuveme on Wednesday, April 30, 2026, to assess the damage and inspect ongoing response efforts after tidal waves displaced residents and destroyed property along sections of the coastline.
“Today, we decided to come and take a look at what is happening during this inspection of communities affected by the recent tidal waves in Fuveme,” he said.
Addressing residents, President Mahama outlined short- and medium-term interventions to protect the area. He said the government would construct sea defence structures and roll out a coastal greening programme.
“There is also going to be sea defence,” he stated.
In addition, the plan includes planting coconut trees and restoring mangroves to stabilise the shoreline and reduce erosion.
“They will also be planting coconut trees on the beaches to stabilise the soil,” the President said.
