Mahama assures coastal communities of imminent sea defence works under $150m WACA project

President John Dramani Mahama has assured residents of coastal communities in the Volta Region that government will soon commence major sea defence works under the $150 million World Bank funded West Africa Coastal Areas (WACA) project.

Speaking during a visit to affected communities following reports of recent tidal waves in Fuveme, Volta Region, the President said government moved swiftly to assess the situation after receiving distress information.

“This afternoon, we received information about what happened with the sea breaking through, and so we decided to come and take a look at what is happening,” he stated.

President Mahama explained that the area forms part of the WACA project, which is designed to address coastal erosion and protect vulnerable communities along Ghana’s shoreline.

He highlighted previous interventions, noting that significant efforts had already been made over the years to defend parts of the coast.

“We already undertook sea defence works along this stretch when I was President. Before that, the Keta Sea Defence Project had been completed, and we also started Blekusu Phase One, while Phase Two is currently ongoing,” he said.

According to him, the remaining coastal areas, including Ketu South and parts of Anloga, will be covered under the WACA project.

He outlined key components of the project, including the construction of sea defence structures and groynes to weaken strong ocean waves before they hit the shore.

“There is going to be sea defence, and groynes will be built into the sea to break the strong waves so that they return to the coast in a much gentler manner,” he explained.

The President added that environmental restoration efforts would complement the engineering works.

“They will also plant coconut trees along the beaches to stabilise the soil, and mangroves will be planted in the estuary to help defend the land against sea encroachment,” he noted.

President Mahama acknowledged that the project experienced delays in 2024 due to the elections but assured residents that progress has resumed.

“I am happy to announce that the feasibility study is finished, and we are now at the design stage. After that, we will move to procurement and then the actual construction,” he said.

He further assured the communities that funding for the project remains secure despite adjustments to other World Bank-supported programmes.

“We have protected the $150 million meant for the WACA project, so your money is safe and the project is going to go on,” he emphasised.

As an immediate intervention, the President said government would engage the Volta River Authority (VRA) to dredge the main estuary to ease pressure and reduce further damage.

“Normally, when the estuary is choked, it looks for other ways to join the sea, and that is what is happening here. If we dredge it, it will allow more water to flow out into the sea,” he explained.

President Mahama appealed to residents for patience and cooperation as government works to address both the immediate and long-term challenges.

“We look forward to your cooperation as we continue the processes to do the work,” he said.