Mahama announces GH¢685m coastal protection package for vulnerable communities
President John Dramani Mahama has announced an allocation of GH¢685 million to commence coastal protection works in vulnerable communities under the West African Coastal Areas Resilience Investment Project (WACA).
The funding is expected to support a range of engineering and environmental interventions aimed at addressing coastal erosion, protecting lives and property, and safeguarding the livelihoods of communities along Ghana’s coastline, particularly in the Volta Region.
Speaking at the 64th Grand Durbar of the Hogbetsotso Festival in Anloga, President Mahama said the allocation would finance critical coastal defence infrastructure, including breakwaters, groynes and revetments, as well as environmental restoration initiatives.
“My father, Togbui, I can answer you directly on this matter and confirm that GH¢685 million has been allocated to commence coastal protection works under the West African Coastal Areas Resilience Investment Project, popularly known as WACA,” he announced.
He explained that the project would also incorporate dune fixation through vegetation, beach replenishment and wetlands restoration to strengthen the coastline against the devastating effects of erosion.
“Other aspects of the project include lagoon and watershed rehabilitation. The final aspect of the project is the provision of livelihood support for communities in the targeted programme area, especially for young people, women and persons with disabilities,” President Mahama stated.
The President acknowledged the severe human and economic consequences of coastal erosion, particularly in communities such as Fugame, where residents continue to face the threat of displacement and destruction of property.
He stressed that coastal erosion was not merely an environmental challenge but also a threat to livelihoods, education, community infrastructure and cultural heritage.
“Behind every damaged home is a household whose security has been taken away,” he said, emphasising the need for urgent and sustained interventions to protect affected communities.
President Mahama also announced an additional allocation of GH¢250 million in the 2027 Budget to ensure the continuation and completion of the Blekusu Phase Two Coastal Protection Project.
He recalled that he commissioned the project shortly after assuming office, describing it as an urgent intervention to address the challenges confronting residents in the area.
“I am happy with the progress of WACA, and I am pleased to inform you that an additional amount of GH¢250 million has been allocated in the 2027 Budget for the continuation and completion of the Blekusu Phase Two Project,” he announced.
The President further called on traditional authorities and residents to support efforts to protect mangroves and wetlands, warning that the indiscriminate destruction of coastal vegetation weakens shorelines and increases their vulnerability to erosion.
“It is a known fact that the unrestricted destruction of mangroves and coastal vegetation weakens our shoreline and leaves our coast vulnerable to erosion,” he cautioned.
He urged traditional leaders and residents to make environmental conservation a collective responsibility to safeguard coastal communities for future generations.
President Mahama gave the assurance that his administration remained committed to protecting vulnerable coastal communities and improving the living conditions of residents through sustained investment in infrastructure and livelihood support.
The announcement was made during the 64th Grand Durbar of the Hogbetsotso Festival, held in Anloga under the theme, “Anlo, Our Heritage and Our Values: Striving to Build One Ghana for a Better Tomorrow.”
