Rising sea level threatens Cape Three Points community

A youth developmental and social group, the Western Nzema Youth League (WNYL), has raised concerns about the rise in sea level affecting residents of Cape Three Points in the Nzema enclave.

The group said residents face the possibility of losing their homes and future opportunities due to the impact of climate change on the sea levels.

Dr Patrick Ekye Kwesie, the leader of the WNYL, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), said the encroaching sea threatened to submerge the coastal settlements which would displace families and disrupt their livelihoods.

“Cape Three Points, situated at the southernmost tip of Ghana, is not only a vital ecological zone but also a significant economic hub for local communities reliant on fishing and tourism.

“However, the encroaching sea threatens to submerge our coastal settlements, displace families and disrupt our livelihoods,” he stated.

Dr Kwesie, thus called on the government and the other relevant authorities to act immediately to mitigate the potential destruction that the rising waters could bring to coastal dwellers.

He proposed that authorities restore mangroves, promote awareness of environmental conservation, while investment was made in infrastructure to protect against flooding and to help safeguard Cape Three Points from the looming threat.

The WNYL leader said the association was also advocating the inclusion of youth voices in climate policy discussions, as young people were also affected by any mishap and, therefore, must be involved in the process of seeking solutions to problems.

“Young people are the future stewards of this land and are affected by whatever impact. It is, therefore, important to solicit their input in shaping policies that will protect our communities and environment,” Dr Kwesie stressed.