Ken Ofori-Atta
The government has expressed it readiness to commit at least GH¢10 million for feasibility studies and engineering studies to find permanent solution against tidal waves in the country.
This is to find more holistic approach to costal erosion which recently hits some parts of the country including Keta in the Anlo District of the Volta Region.
Speaking at a media briefing on Monday, December 6, 2021, the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, said that “respect of the unfortunate tidal waves which rendered about 3,000 people homeless in Keta, Ketu South and Anloga constituencies, we shall make the necessary budgetary allocations of at least GHS 10 million to complete the Feasibility and Engineering studies for the coastal.
“We will broaden the scope of the study to consider a more comprehensive solution to protect Ghana’s 540 kilometres of coastlines, including the 149 kilometres between Aflao and Prampram”.
The Minister explained that various sea defences could cost between GH¢3 million and GH¢500 million per 5 kilometres but in order to have an adequate plan, he added that “there is a real need to dig deep into understanding the type of technology that we need to use to make sure that we protect the coastline.”
This announcement followed the Minority in Parliament asking the government to incorporate adequate measures to address the issue relating to the tidal wave flooding, as well as a demand for an allocation for the Blekusu Coastal Protection Project to find space in the 2022 budget.
Although the original budget statement delivered to Parliament made no mention of the construction of sea walls or other measures to counter coastal erosion but the Finance Minister has written to the Speaker of Parliament communicating these changes.
By Vincent Kubi