Blekusu coastline secured - President Mahama launches protection project

The Blekusu Coastal Protection Project Phase II in the Ketu South Municipality in the Volta Region has taken off in earnest, a project President John Dramani Mahama described as a comprehensive, resilient coastal protection venture. 

“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 said at a durbar at Agavedzi last Saturday before the sod-cutting ceremony to mark the official commencement of the project.

He said the government was committed to protecting communities, their livelihoods and their environment for future generations, irrespective of their location.

President Mahama maintained that the project represented a resolve to defend coastal communities and preserve lives, homes and infrastructure.

He pointed out that the ruthless tidal invasion was not peculiar to the Ketu South Municipality, saying similar tragedies occurred in other parts of the country and the government could not turn a blind eye to the phenomenon.

Ghana’s coastal stretch, President Mahama said, covered more than 550 kilometres, and the stretch was a critical asset for fishing, trading and tourism.

However, the stretch was vulnerable to climate change and tidal wave invasions, he added.

The second phase of the Blekusu Coastal Protection Project is expected to bring relief to the communities of Blekusu, Agavedzi, Salakope, Amutinu and Adina.

The President said the contractor, Amandi, had been tasked to complete the project in 48 months, with the construction of 37 armour rocks groynes and land reclamation to protect eight kilometres of the coastline.

Groynes are coastal engineering structures built perpendicular to the shoreline, designed to trap sediments and reduce erosion.

Community infrastructure

President Mahama said in addition to the coastal protection project, which was being supervised by the Ghana Hydrological Authority, the government would incorporate community infrastructure to boost the livelihood of the people.

They include a modern fish market, cold storage and processing facilities for the fisherfolk, designated places for drying and smoking fish, a car park and lorry station, and public sanitation facilities, as well as a waste collection system, he said.

“So, this is more than just a coastal protection work; it is a comprehensive, resilient initiative blending environmental protection with socio-economic infrastructure,” President Mahama said.

He, therefore, appealed to the Ministry of Work Housing, and Water Resources, the Ghana Hydrological Authority, the Ketu South Municipal Assembly, the project contractor and consultants, as well as the chiefs and people of the beneficiary communities to work together in unity with purpose for the success of the project.

“Let us uphold the values of accountability, transparency, and community engagement throughout the project implementation.

“I urge everyone, especially the youth, to take ownership of this project by respecting the construction zones and timelines, by avoiding harmful activities such as illegal sand winning,” he added.
                         

Modern market for Aflao

The President announced that plans were also underway to extend the coastal protection project to Aflao, adding that the construction of a modern market (Asigame) in Aflao was in the offing, with support from the Chinese government.

The Minister of Works Housing, and Water Resources, Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, gave an assurance that work on the project would progress smoothly and be completed within the scheduled time.

The Member of Parliamen for Ketu South, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, said the project bore ample testimony to the government’s firm stance to fulfil its promise to the people.

The Paramount Chief of Some Traditional Area, Togbiga Adama III, said the dreadful tidal waves had also destroyed roads in the area and deprived the residents of potable water.

He, therefore, appealed to President Mahama to intervene and bring relief to the people in those areas as well. 

Project brief

In 2015, the then government of President Mahama commenced the construction of the Blekusu Coastal Protection Project Phase 1.

That comprised a 4.3-kilometre stretch involving the building of groynes to safeguard coastal communities of Azizadzi, Horvi and Blekusu from tidal wave impact and coastal erosion.

Since then, other coastal communities have been exposed to the devastation of invading tidal waves, exacerbated by rising sea levels due to climate change and variability.

That necessitated the urgent need for the commencement of the Blekusu Coastal Protection Project Phase II.