The fourth chief of Engalachi in the Ellembele District of the Western Region, Nana Moketsi, has called on government to provide urgent support and alternative livelihoods to communities affected by the operations of Ghana Gas.

Speaking on the sidelines of the National Multi-Faith Dialogue on Climate-Responsive Social Protection in Accra, the chief said residents in fishing communities near the Ghana Gas enclave have suffered severe economic hardship over the past decade.

According to him, offshore gas operations have disrupted fishing activities, which remain the main source of livelihood for many families in the area.

“Ghana Gas came to Ellembele and we were very happy thinking it was going to help the people. But later on we realised our fishing activities were spoiled,” he said.

He explained that light from offshore operations has driven fish away from traditional fishing zones, making it difficult for fishermen to make a living.

“For the past 10 years, being a fishing community, we cannot get fish for our livelihood,” he lamented.

Nana Moketsi said while communities appreciate the national importance of the Ghana Gas project, residents living within the enclave continue to bear the environmental and social consequences without adequate compensation or support.

He appealed for subsidised LPG prices for affected communities, arguing that residents in the enclave endure gas emissions and other environmental impacts yet still pay high fuel prices.

The chief also raised concerns about frequent power outages in the area, saying the intense heat generated by offshore gas flaring becomes unbearable whenever electricity goes off.

He proposed the provision of solar energy systems and aquaculture support as alternative livelihood options for residents.

“At least if we can get even a solar system as a form of livelihood, there is going to be some kind of happiness in the system,” he stated.

The dialogue was organised by Greenfaith Ghana and brought together faith leaders, traditional authorities, government officials, civil society organisations and the media to discuss climate-responsive social protection policies.