In my photo documentary, I set out to capture the profound impact of climate change, specifically coastal erosion, on the communities of Ada, Fuveme Agorkedzi, and Keta in Ghana. These locations were carefully chosen to shed light on how the climate crisis reverberates across four vital sectors of the country: accommodation, tourism/heritage, administration/governance, and education.
Accommodation:
My collection unveils a stark reality, where homes are slowly succumbing to the relentless forces of rising seas and flooding. These images showcase the heartbreaking sight of submerged houses and eroding landscapes. It’s a vivid portrayal of the daily struggle these communities face as their very homes are being consumed by the changing climate.
Tourism and heritage:
Once-thriving hubs of cultural heritage and tourism have fallen victim to the encroaching ocean. Paps Beach Resort, once a bustling seaside retreat in Fuveme Agorkedzi, now stands in ruins, a testament to the power of tidal waves. Even more poignant is the partial loss of Fort Prinzenstein, a historical site that holds the painful memory of Ghana’s slavery past. These photographs capture the irreplaceable loss of our heritage to the relentless march of climate change.
Administration and Governance:
The climate crisis has reached beyond the homes and heritage sites to disrupt the very foundations of governance. The haunting image of the Ada East District Assembly building, destroyed by the relentless ocean, serves as a stark reminder of how climate change can shatter the infrastructures that underpin our society. It’s an alarm bell ringing for urgent action and preparedness.
Education:
Education, the cornerstone of any society, is not immune to the climate crisis. My collection bears witness to a dilapidated school in Fuveme Agorkedzi, a victim of relentless tidal waves. These heart-wrenching images reveal not only the crumbling infrastructure but also the impact on the students themselves. Many of these young minds are forced to stay out of school, not because of a lack of motivation but because they must search for drinking water. The very water taps that should quench their thirst are often buried in sand, casualties of the unyielding tidal waves. These photos tell a story of young minds struggling against the elements, juggling the pursuit of education with the daily quest for survival.
In-summary:
In summary, these communities have borne the brunt of climate change for too long, their pleas for help often falling on deaf ears. Through this photo documentary, I aim to amplify their voices, bringing to light the underrepresented and often unheard stories of resilience, struggle, and hope. It is my hope that these images will inspire greater awareness and action in the pursuit of climate justice, and serve as a testament to the indomitable spirit of those facing the frontline of climate change.
