Ghana Allocates GH¢685m to Combat Coastal Erosion

President John Dramani Mahama has announced a GH¢685 million allocation to commence coastal protection works under the West African Coastal Areas Resilience Investment Project (WACA). This initiative aims to address the pressing issue of coastal erosion affecting communities along Ghana's coast. The announcement was made during the grand durbar of the Hogbetsotso Festival in Anloga, Volta Region.

Coastal erosion has had a devastating impact on communities such as Fuveme, where families have faced repeated displacement. President Mahama acknowledged the human toll of this environmental crisis, emphasizing that no family should have to endure repeated displacement due to coastal erosion. He noted that the erosion threatens not just physical structures but also livelihoods and cultural heritage.

The allocated funds will cover various engineering works, including breakwaters, groynes, revetments, dune fixation through vegetation, beach replenishment, and wetlands restoration. The project extends beyond physical infrastructure to include environmental rehabilitation and social support components. This comprehensive approach aims to mitigate the effects of coastal erosion and provide sustainable solutions for affected communities.

The project also includes lagoon and watershed rehabilitation, as well as livelihood support for communities in the targeted programme area. This support will be especially focused on young people, women, and persons with disabilities. By addressing the socio-economic impacts of coastal erosion, the government seeks to enhance the resilience of coastal communities.

The Hogbetsotso Festival, celebrated annually by the Anlo Ewe people, commemorates their historic migration from Notsie in present-day Togo. During the festival, Togbui Sri III, the Awoamefia of the Anlo State, requested the government to ensure the uninterrupted continuation and completion of the Blekusu Sea Defence Wall Project. He also called for clear timelines for the Keta Port Project.

The people of Anlo wish to see tangible action in the physical construction of the port, which has been in development for far too long. Additionally, they urge the government to relocate the Eastern Naval Base to Keta as promised, to secure their waters. The establishment of the University of the Blue Economy and Coastal Ecosystems in Anlo was also requested to secure a future for their youth in the maritime sector.

President Mahama's announcement offers hope to coastal communities grappling with the challenges of erosion. The successful implementation of the WACA project will require coordinated efforts from various stakeholders, including government agencies, local communities, and international partners. If executed effectively, this initiative could serve as a model for addressing coastal erosion in other vulnerable regions.

Key points

• The Ghanaian government has allocated GH¢685 million to combat coastal erosion under the West African Coastal Areas Resilience Investment Project (WACA).
• The project includes engineering works, environmental rehabilitation, and social support components to mitigate the effects of coastal erosion.
• Local leaders have requested the completion of other development projects, including the Blekusu Sea Defence Wall and the Keta Port Project.