President Mahama with the Volta Regional Minister at Hogbetsotso Grand Durbar
President John Dramani Mahama has announced an additional allocation of GH¢250 million in the 2027 Budget for the continuation and completion of the Blekusu Phase Two Coastal Protection Project in the Volta Region.
He said the allocation was intended to ensure the uninterrupted execution of the project, which was critical to protecting coastal communities from the devastating effects of sea erosion.
President Mahama made the announcement at the 64th Hogbetsotso Grand Durbar, where he addressed traditional authorities and the people of Anlo on the government’s development priorities and ongoing interventions in the area.
He acknowledged concerns raised by the Awoamefia of Anlo, Togbui Sri III, about the destruction of homes, livelihoods and community infrastructure resulting from coastal erosion, describing the situation as a serious threat to the security and well-being of affected households.
The President also disclosed that GH¢685 million had been allocated to commence coastal protection interventions under the West African Coastal Areas Resilience Investment Project (WACA), which would cover engineering works, including breakwaters, groynes and revetments, as well as dune stabilisation, vegetation planting and beach replenishment.
He said the project would further incorporate wetlands restoration, lagoon and watershed rehabilitation, alongside livelihood support for communities within the targeted areas, particularly women, young people and persons with disabilities.
On the Blekusu project, President Mahama said he was encouraged by the progress of work since its commencement, and assured the people that the additional funding would facilitate its continuation and completion.
He also called on traditional leaders and residents to support efforts to protect mangroves and coastal vegetation, warning that their indiscriminate destruction weakened shorelines and increased the vulnerability of coastal settlements to erosion.
President Mahama said the government’s interventions were aimed not only at protecting physical infrastructure but also at safeguarding the livelihoods, schools, cultural heritage and economic activities of coastal communities.
From Daniel K. Orlando