President John Dramani Mahama has officially launched Phase II of the Blekusu Coastal Protection Project in the Ketu South Municipality, a transformative initiative aimed at protecting five vulnerable communities from the relentless destruction caused by tidal waves.
At a grand durbar held at Agavedzi on Saturday, the President described the project as a clear demonstration of responsive and responsible leadership.
“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 Mahama declared to thunderous applause from chiefs, residents, and local government officials.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding the lives, livelihoods, and environment of coastal communities, regardless of their location, describing the intervention as part of a national effort to confront the devastating impacts of climate change.
Shielding the coastline: Blekusu Phase II Begins
Ghana’s coastline, which spans over 550 kilometres, is a crucial resource for fishing, trade, and tourism.
But it remains under constant threat from tidal waves and rising sea levels—a danger that has already displaced families, destroyed homes, and eroded farmlands across the Ketu South enclave.
Phase II of the Blekusu Coastal Protection Project is expected to bring relief to the towns of Blekusu, Agavedzi, Salakope, Amutinu, and Adina.
The project, awarded to AMANDI Construction, is scheduled for completion in 48 months. It involves the construction of 37 armour rock groynes and extensive land reclamation works to protect an additional eight kilometres of coastline.
Groynes—structures built perpendicular to the shoreline—serve to trap sand and reduce erosion, thereby reinforcing the natural defense of the coast against tidal incursions.
More than protection
President Mahama revealed that the coastal protection initiative will also serve as a platform for social and economic transformation.
Beyond safeguarding the shoreline, the project will incorporate modern community infrastructure to boost local livelihoods.
According to the President, new developments will include a modern fish market, cold storage and fish processing facilities, fish drying and smoking platforms, a lorry park, public sanitation infrastructure, and an improved waste collection system.
“This is more than just coastal protection; it is a comprehensive resilience initiative, blending environmental protection with socio-economic infrastructure,” Mahama emphasised.
He called for collaboration between all stakeholders—the Ministry of Works and Housing, the Ghana Hydrological Authority, the Ketu South Municipal Assembly, contractors, consultants, and the beneficiary communities—to ensure timely and successful implementation.
He also urged the youth to support the project by respecting construction zones and avoiding illegal sand mining.
Plans for Aflao and new market infrastructure
Looking ahead, President Mahama announced that the coastal protection project would eventually be extended to Aflao. Additionally, he revealed plans to construct a modern market, Asigame, in Aflao, with funding support from the Government of China.
This, he said, would further improve economic activity in the area.
Govt reassures on timely completion
Minister for Works, Housing and Water Resources, Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, assured residents that the project would be completed on schedule, adding that the government was fully committed to delivering on its infrastructure promises.
The Member of Parliament for Ketu South, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, described the project as a strong signal of the government’s resolve to fulfil its pledge to vulnerable communities battling the harsh effects of climate change.
Traditional leaders call for extended support
The Makorsor of the Some Traditional Area, Togbuiga Adama III, highlighted that tidal waves had also damaged roads and cut off access to clean water in some parts of the municipality.
He appealed to President Mahama for additional interventions to help other affected communities.
Project background: From Phase I to Phase II
The Blekusu Coastal Protection Project began under President Mahama’s first term in 2015, with the execution of Phase I, which protected the coastal communities of Azizadzi, Horvi, and Blekusu.
That phase involved constructing groynes along a 4.3-kilometre stretch to shield against tidal wave damage.
However, with rising sea levels and intensifying wave action, other communities like Agavedzi and Amutinu remained unprotected and increasingly vulnerable.
The success of Phase I—and the worsening climate threat—necessitated the urgent launch of Phase II.
A national response to a growing crisis
President Mahama concluded by stating that the Blekusu Coastal Protection Project Phase II is not just a local or regional effort, but a reflection of Ghana’s national commitment to climate resilience.
“We cannot turn a blind eye to the tidal devastation affecting our people. This project is a testament to our resolve to protect every Ghanaian, no matter where they live,” he said.
