President John Dramani Mahama has officially broken ground for the second phase of the Blekusu Coastal Protection Project in the Ketu South Municipality of the Volta Region.
The long-anticipated initiative aims to safeguard vulnerable coastal communities including Blekusu, Agavedzi, Salakope, Amutinu, and Adina from the devastating effects of tidal waves and coastal erosion, which have displaced families and destroyed livelihoods over the years.
Addressing a durbar of chiefs and residents during the sod-cutting ceremony at Blekusu, President Mahama described the project as a testament to responsive leadership that listens, cares, and acts.
“In 2015, during my previous administration, we commenced phase one of this project to tackle the serious threat of tidal waves eroding the coastline of this area,” he said. “Unfortunately, for nearly a decade after this, the second phase of the project stalled.”
President Mahama recounted the repeated destruction caused by tidal waves in 2017 and 2021, and the unheeded appeals from residents and local leaders. He expressed pride that his renewed commitment is now being fulfilled.
“Your cries have not been in vain. Your voices will no longer be ignored. Today is your day, a day of renewal and a day of reassurance,” he stated.
Phase II of the project, to be executed by Messrs Amandi Holdings Limited, will protect an additional eight kilometres of the coastline. It includes the construction of 37 groynes, dune restoration, reinforced embankments, and other shoreline defence infrastructure. The project is expected to be completed over a 48-month period between 2025 and 2029.
In addition to sea defence works, the initiative will provide vital community infrastructure such as a modern fish market, cold storage and processing facilities, fish drying and smoking areas, a car park, lorry station, and sanitation systems.
READ: Blekusu Coastal Protection Project: No more will the sea claim our lives – Mahama
“This is more than just a coastal protection work. It is a comprehensive resilience initiative, blending environmental protection with socio-economic infrastructure,” the President explained.
President Mahama called on the Ministry of Works and Housing, Ghana Hydrological Authority, the Ketu South Municipal Assembly, contractors, consultants, and beneficiary communities to work together in unity to ensure successful implementation. He urged residents, especially the youth, to respect construction zones and support environmental stewardship.
He further disclosed that the proposed Waka Project, which will continue coastal protection efforts from Blekusu to Aflao, is currently awaiting approval at the Ministry of Environment.
“The sea has taken a lot from this community; land, property, livelihoods, and peace of mind. But today I stand here to say, no more will the sea consume our land,” Mahama declared. “We are here to reclaim what has been lost, to rebuild stronger, and to offer our children a future where they are not forced to flee their homes.”
President Mahama also announced that a grant from the Chinese government has been secured to begin construction of the new Aflao market, fulfilling another promise to the region.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
