Ghana Allocates GH¢250m for Blekusu Coastal Protection Project

President John Dramani Mahama has announced an additional allocation of GH¢250 million in the 2027 Budget for the continuation and completion of the Blekusu Phase Two Coastal Protection Project in the Volta Region. The project aims to protect coastal communities from the devastating effects of sea erosion. The announcement was made at the 64th Hogbetsotso Grand Durbar, where President Mahama addressed traditional authorities and the people of Anlo on the government's development priorities and ongoing interventions in the area.

President Mahama acknowledged concerns raised by the Awoamefia of Anlo, Togbui Sri III, about the destruction of homes, livelihoods, and community infrastructure resulting from coastal erosion. He described the situation as a serious threat to the security and well-being of affected households. The President also disclosed that GH¢685 million had been allocated to commence coastal protection interventions under the West African Coastal Areas Resilience Investment Project (WACA).

The WACA project will cover engineering works, including breakwaters, groynes, and revetments, as well as dune stabilisation, vegetation planting, and beach replenishment. The project will also incorporate wetlands restoration, lagoon and watershed rehabilitation, alongside livelihood support for communities within the targeted areas, particularly women, young people, and persons with disabilities.

President Mahama expressed his encouragement by the progress of work on the Blekusu project since its commencement and assured the people that the additional funding would facilitate its continuation and completion. He also called on traditional leaders and residents to support efforts to protect mangroves and coastal vegetation, warning that their indiscriminate destruction weakened shorelines and increased the vulnerability of coastal settlements to erosion.

The President emphasized that the government's interventions were aimed not only at protecting physical infrastructure but also at safeguarding the livelihoods, schools, cultural heritage, and economic activities of coastal communities. The government's efforts to address coastal erosion are crucial to ensuring the security and well-being of affected households.

The Blekusu Phase Two Coastal Protection Project is critical to protecting coastal communities in the Volta Region from the devastating effects of sea erosion. The project's continuation and completion will help alleviate the suffering of affected households and ensure the sustainability of livelihoods and economic activities in the area.

President Mahama's announcement has brought relief to coastal communities in the Volta Region, who have been affected by sea erosion. The additional funding will help ensure the project's completion and provide long-term solutions to the problems of coastal erosion in the region.

Key points

• President Mahama allocates GH¢250m for Blekusu Coastal Protection Project
• Government aims to protect coastal communities from sea erosion
• WACA project to cover engineering works and livelihood support