President John Dramani Mahama has announced a renewed government push to protect vulnerable coastal communities in the Volta Region, as the $150 million West Africa Coastal Areas (WACA) project transitions from planning to full-scale construction.
The President assured residents that all key preparatory processes have been completed, paving the way for work to begin soon.
“The feasibility study is finished. Very soon, you’ll see work start along your coastal area,” he stated, signaling a decisive move toward implementation.
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The World Bank-backed initiative is expected to safeguard communities in Ketu South and parts of Anloga, where persistent tidal waves have destroyed homes, displaced families, and disrupted livelihoods.
During a visit to erosion-prone areas, President Mahama assured that the project has reached its final design stage, after which procurement processes will commence to mobilise contractors and equipment on-site.
At the core of the intervention is the construction of sea defence systems, including groynes to reduce the intensity of ocean currents and minimise wave impact along the shoreline.
“There’s going to be sea defence structures and groynes built into the sea to break the currents so waves return more gently to the coast,” he explained.
In addition to engineering solutions, the WACA project will incorporate nature-based measures to strengthen long-term coastal resilience. These include coconut tree planting to stabilise sandy soils and mangrove restoration to serve as natural buffers against tidal surges.
Addressing concerns about earlier delays, President Mahama attributed setbacks in 2024 to the election cycle but assured residents that the project remains intact and fully funded.
“Your money is safe, and the project is going to go on,” he emphasised.
As an interim measure, the government is collaborating with the Volta River Authority to dredge the estuary, a step expected to ease water pressure and reduce the impact of tidal incursions.
“Normally, when the estuary is silted, it looks for ways to join the sea elsewhere. Dredging allows more water to flow directly into the sea,” he noted.
The temporary intervention is intended to provide immediate relief while permanent coastal defences are constructed.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment, the President called for public cooperation, assuring affected communities that sustainable solutions to coastal erosion are on the way.
For thousands living along Ghana’s eastern coastline, the announcement offers renewed hope that long-awaited protection may soon become reality.