KEY POINTS

• Mahama announced GH¢685m for coastal protection under WACA.

• An additional GH¢250m was allocated to the Blekusu Sea Defence Project.

• The projects will combine sea defence infrastructure, environmental restoration and livelihood support.

Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama has announced an allocation of GH¢685 million to begin coastal protection works under the West African Coastal Areas Resilience Investment Project (WACA), as his administration steps up efforts to address erosion and protect vulnerable communities along the country’s coastline.

Mahama announced the funding at the 64th Hogbetsotso Festival durbar in Anloga, Volta Region, on Saturday, November 7, 2026.

The project will combine engineering infrastructure with environmental restoration and livelihood support to reduce the impact of coastal erosion, tidal waves and environmental degradation on affected settlements.

GH¢685m to Fund Coastal Protection Projects

Mahama said the GH¢685 million allocation would support the commencement of coastal protection interventions under WACA, a World Bank-backed regional initiative designed to improve the resilience of coastal communities in West Africa.

The engineering component will involve the construction of breakwaters, groynes and revetments to reduce the force of waves and protect vulnerable sections of the shoreline.

The project will also include nature-based interventions such as beach replenishment, dune stabilisation through vegetation and wetland restoration.

Other planned activities include rehabilitating lagoons and watersheds, alongside livelihood support for residents in communities covered by the programme.

Mahama said the initiative would pay particular attention to women, young people and persons with disabilities to ensure they benefit from the economic opportunities created by the project.

Government Adds GH¢250m for Blekusu Sea Defence Project

Beyond the GH¢685 million WACA allocation, Mahama announced an additional GH¢250 million in the 2027 national budget for the continuation and completion of Phase Two of the Blekusu Sea Defence Project.

The additional funding brings the government’s announced commitments to coastal protection in the Volta Region to GH¢935 million across the two funding streams.

The Blekusu project is designed to protect an eight-kilometre stretch of coastline covering Blekusu, Agavedzi, Salakope, Amutsinu and Adina in the Ketu South Municipality.

Launched in July 2025, the project involves constructing 37 groynes, reinforced embankments and restoring coastal dunes to protect communities that have suffered repeated destruction from tidal waves and erosion.

The project also includes plans for facilities such as a modern fish market, cold storage and fish processing infrastructure.

The additional GH¢250 million is intended to ensure that work on the second phase continues without interruption and reaches completion.

Mahama Urges Residents to Protect Coastal Vegetation

The President also called on traditional authorities and residents to support environmental conservation, particularly the protection of mangroves, wetlands and other coastal vegetation.

He warned that the destruction of these natural barriers weakens the shoreline and leaves coastal settlements more exposed to erosion and tidal surges.

Mahama referred to the difficulties facing communities such as Fuveme, where repeated coastal erosion has damaged homes and disrupted livelihoods.

He stressed that the coastal protection programme must address the human consequences of erosion, including displacement and the loss of economic opportunities.

The funding announcements follow appeals from traditional leaders and residents for urgent intervention to protect communities along the Volta coastline.

Successful implementation of the projects will depend on the timely release of funds, completion of the planned infrastructure and sustained environmental protection efforts.