President John Dramani Mahama has visited Fuveme and surrounding communities affected by recent tidal waves, assuring residents that government interventions are underway to address the coastal erosion crisis.
Speaking during the inspection, President John Dramani Mahama said the visit was prompted by reports of the sea breaching parts of the community.
“We got information about what happened with the sea breaking through, and so today we decided to come and take a look at what is happening,” he stated.
He explained that the affected areas fall under the West Africa Coastal Areas (WACA) programme, a $150 million initiative supported by the World Bank aimed at protecting vulnerable coastal zones.
Ongoing and Past Coastal Defense Efforts
President Mahama highlighted previous interventions undertaken by successive governments to combat coastal erosion.
“Earlier when I was president, we did the Agbletorkor Sea Defense. Before that, the Rawlings government had done the Keta Sea Defense, and we also started Blekusu 1. Blekusu 2 is currently ongoing,” he said.
He noted that the remaining stretch of the coastline from the current location through Ketu South and parts of Anloga will be covered under the WACA project.
Key Features of the WACA Project
According to the President, the project will include a combination of engineering and environmental measures, Construction of sea defense systems, Installation of groins to reduce wave intensity,
Planting of coconut trees to stabilize the coastline
Restoration of mangroves in estuary areas to prevent encroachment
“The groins will break the strong waves so that they return to the coast in a gentler manner,” he explained.
Project Progress and Timeline
President Mahama revealed that although the project stalled in 2024 due to election-related delays, it has since resumed. “I’m happy to announce that the feasibility study is finished. They are now at the design stage. After that, procurement will follow, leading to actual construction,” he said.
He assured residents that work would begin soon, with efforts being made to fast-track the process.
Funding Secured Despite Project Adjustments
The President emphasized that funding allocated for the WACA project remains intact, despite changes to other World
Bank-supported initiatives.
“We protected the $150 million meant for the WACA project. Your money is safe, and the project is going to go on,” he assured.
Immediate Relief Measures
As a short-term intervention, government is considering dredging activities in the estuary to reduce flooding pressure.
The President indicated that the Volta River Authority may be engaged to carry out the dredging.
“When the estuary is silted, it looks for other ways to join the sea. That is what is happening here. Dredging will allow more water to flow out,” he explained.
Call for Cooperation
President Mahama concluded by appealing to residents for patience and cooperation as government works toward both immediate and long-term solutions.
“Let me thank you very much for your patience and your tolerance, and we look forward to your cooperation.”
Story: Patrick Asford Boadu
