The residents of Ngbaripe (also known as Al Manara) in the Hangaline – Ngbaripe – Alhassankura electoral area, located within the West Gonja municipality of the Savannah region, are currently gripped by fear due to a century-old erosion issue. The increasing rainfall has raised concerns about the safety of their lives and properties.
According to reports, those residing in the affected areas of the community are unable to enjoy peaceful nights or attend to their agricultural activities because they live in constant uncertainty about when the ancient erosion channel might become a threat to their homes. Despite local stakeholders’ efforts to establish an effective drainage system as a lasting solution, these endeavors have proven unsuccessful.
The community feels let down by government representatives and politicians who had promised to provide assistance for the situation but failed to fulfill those promises. Mr. Tahiru, a teacher and resident of the area, shared his personal story of investing over Ghc8,000 to build a protective apron to shield his home from the heavy rains that could potentially wash it away or be swallowed by the century-old erosion channel. Sadly, his efforts were in vain, as the apron was swept away overnight by the rain.
Residents are now making an appeal to individuals, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), the Member of Parliament for the Damongo constituency, Lawyer Samuel Abu Jinapor, and the government to come to their aid. Their primary request is the establishment of a functional drainage system, as they currently live on the edge, grappling with the imminent threat posed by the century-old erosion problem.
