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The Blekusu Coastal Protection Project Phase II in the Ketu South Municipality has officially commenced.
“This is not merely symbolic, but rather a clear demonstration of what responsible leadership can do, when it cares, when it listens, when it acts,” President John Dramani Mahama declared at a durbar prior to the groundbreaking ceremony at Agavedzi on Saturday.
He said the government was committed to protecting communities, their livelihoods, and their environment for future generations, regardless of their location.
President Mahama stressed that the Government of Ghana’s initiative reflected a national resolve to defend coastal communities and safeguard lives, homes, and infrastructure.
He noted that the destruction caused by tidal waves was not unique to the Ketu South Municipality, as similar tragedies had occurred in other parts of the country, and the government could not turn a blind eye to the phenomenon.
Ghana’s coastline, he stated, spanned more than 550 kilometres and was a vital asset for fishing, trade, and tourism. However, the stretch remained vulnerable to climate change and tidal wave invasions.
The Blekusu Coastal Protection Project Phase II is expected to bring significant relief to the communities of Blekusu, Agavedzi, Salakope, Amutinu, and Adina.
The President disclosed that the contractors, AMANDI, had been tasked to complete the project within 48 months. The scope includes the construction of 37 armour rock groynes and land reclamation to protect eight kilometres of the coastline.
Groynes are coastal engineering structures built perpendicular to the shoreline to trap sediments and reduce erosion.
Community infrastructure
In addition to the coastal protection works, which are being supervised by the Ghana Hydrological Authority, President Mahama said the government would incorporate essential community infrastructure to enhance local livelihoods.
These would include a modern fish market, cold storage and processing facilities for fisherfolk, fish drying and smoking platforms, a car park and lorry station, public sanitation facilities, and a waste collection system.
“So, this is more than just coastal protection; it is a comprehensive resilience initiative, blending environmental protection with socio-economic infrastructure,” the President emphasised.
He appealed to the Ministry of Works and Housing, the Ghana Hydrological Authority, the Ketu South Municipal Assembly, project contractors and consultants, and the chiefs and people of the beneficiary communities to work together with unity and purpose to ensure the success of the project.
“Let us uphold the values of accountability, transparency, and community engagement throughout the implementation of this project.
“I urge everyone, especially the youth, to take ownership of this project by respecting the construction zones and timelines, and by refraining from harmful activities such as illegal sand winning,” he added.
President Mahama further announced plans to extend the coastal protection project to Aflao. He also revealed that the construction of a modern market (Asigame) in Aflao was in the pipeline, with support from the Government of China.
The Minister for Works, Housing and Water Resources, Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, earlier assured the gathering that work on the project would progress smoothly and be completed on schedule.
The Member of Parliament for the area, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, described the project as clear testimony of the government’s resolve to fulfil its promises to the people.
The Makorsor of Some Traditional Area, Togbuiga Adama III, noted that tidal waves had also destroyed roads in the area and deprived residents of access to potable water. He appealed to President Mahama to intervene and extend support to other affected communities.
In 2015, during President John Dramani Mahama’s previous term, the government commenced the Blekusu Coastal Protection Project Phase I.
That phase covered a 4.3-kilometre stretch involving the construction of groynes to protect the coastal communities of Azizadzi, Horvi, and Blekusu from tidal wave impact and coastal erosion.
Following the successful execution of Phase I, other vulnerable communities remained exposed to tidal devastation, worsened by rising sea levels due to climate change and variability.
This situation necessitated the urgent commencement of the Blekusu Coastal Protection Project Phase II.
