• President Mahama launched phase two of the Blekusu coastal protection project on July 19
• The four-year project will cover 8 km of coastline and includes community development works
• Ghana remains highly vulnerable to climate change, with major adaptation funding needs

Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama officially launched the second phase of the Blekusu Coastal Protection Project on July 19 in Agavedzi, located in the Ketu South Municipality of the Volta Region. The four-year project aims to stop persistent coastal erosion that has threatened local communities for decades.

According to a statement from the presidency, this new phase will cover eight kilometers of coastline, benefiting the towns of Blekusu, Agavedzi, Salakope, Amutsinu, and Adina. Amandi Holding Limited has been contracted for the works, which include building 37 groynes, restoring dunes, and reinforcing sea defense walls.

The initiative also features a local development component. Plans include the construction of a modern fish market, processing and storage facilities, drying areas, a transport station, and sanitation infrastructure.

The project was first launched in 2015 during Mahama’s initial term and successfully protected a 4.3-kilometer stretch of coastline. However, the second phase was stalled for nearly a decade, despite repeated calls from local residents, officials, and community leaders.

At the launch ceremony, President Mahama reaffirmed his commitment to addressing the climate injustices faced by coastal residents. “We are here to reclaim what has been lost, to rebuild stronger, to offer our children a future where they are not forced to flee their homes because of rising tidal waves,” he said. He also mentioned plans to extend the project further through the West Africa Coastal Areas (WACA) regional initiative, which aims to protect the coast up to Aflao.

The project comes as Ghana faces growing risks from climate change. Key sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, public health, and coastal ecosystems are already experiencing severe impacts. According to UNDP figures, Ghana will need between $9.3 billion and $15.5 billion by 2030 to implement the 47 actions outlined in its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC).

To support these goals, the country launched a National Adaptation Plan (NAP) in 2020. It is the first to include long-term climate projections through 2080. The program is being led by the Environmental Protection Agency and is funded with $2.97 million from the Green Climate Fund, with technical support from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).