President John Dramani Mahama has launched an ambitious eight-kilometre coastal protection project to shield vulnerable communities along Ghana’s coastline from the devastating impacts of tidal waves and coastal erosion.

Speaking at a sod-cutting ceremony for Phase II of the Blekusu Sea Protection Project in Agavedzi, Ketu South District of the Volta Region, President Mahama emphasised the urgency of the intervention.

“The sea has taken a lot from this community. It has taken land, property, livelihoods, and our peace of mind. But today, I stand here to say, no more will the sea consume our land,” he declared.

The multi-year initiative, scheduled to run from 2025 to 2029, includes the construction of 37 groins, beach restoration efforts, and the development of key community infrastructure. This includes a modern fish market, cold storage facilities, and public sanitation systems.

President Mahama described the project as more than just a physical defense against the sea, calling it a “comprehensive resilience initiative” that blends environmental protection with critical socio-economic development.

He also highlighted the broader significance of the project, noting that Ghana’s 550-kilometre coastline is among the most threatened globally by climate change, particularly due to tidal wave flooding and coastal erosion.

“This project is not only about protection, it is about reclaiming what has been lost, rebuilding stronger, and securing a future where our children will not have to flee their homes because of rising seas,” President Mahama stated.

The Blekusu Sea Protection Project stands as a beacon of hope for affected coastal communities, promising not just safety but a sustainable future in the face of growing environmental threats.