President John Dramani Mahama has officially broken ground for the commencement of Phase Two of the Blekusu Coastal Protection Project in the Ketu South Municipality, marking a significant moment in the government’s renewed efforts to safeguard vulnerable coastal communities from the devastating effects of tidal waves and erosion.
Addressing an enthusiastic gathering of local residents, chiefs, and officials in Blekusu, President Mahama underscored the event as a testament to responsive and compassionate leadership.
“I’m deeply honoured to be here with you this afternoon in Blekusu for this important and long-anticipated event. The groundbreaking ceremony for Phase Two of the Blekusu Coastal Protection Project is not merely symbolic—it’s a clear demonstration of what responsive leadership can do when it listens, when it cares, and when it acts.”
President John Dramani Mahama
The Blekusu initiative began under President Mahama’s previous administration in 2015, when 4.3 kilometres of coastal defence structures were constructed to offer initial protection to affected communities.
However, Phase Two of the project stalled for nearly a decade under the previous NPP administrations, despite persistent appeals from residents, traditional leaders, civil society groups, and local representatives.
Repeated Tidal Waves
During that period of inaction, tidal waves struck the coastline repeatedly, particularly in 2017 and 2021, displacing families, destroying homes, and uprooting livelihoods.
“I can still picture the videos and images of the pain, anxiety, and fear etched on the faces of our fellow citizens. Earlier this year, during my visit to the region, I pledged that our government would no longer delay the action required to take away your pain and fear. Today, I am proud to say that this commitment is being fulfilled.”
President John Dramani Mahama
President Mahama emphasised the critical importance of Ghana’s 550-kilometre-long coastline, noting that it supports livelihoods through fishing, tourism, and trade.
But he also warned that it remains one of the country’s most vulnerable ecological zones, subject to the increasingly destructive effects of climate change.
“What is happening in Blekusu, Agavedzi, and Salakope is not isolated. Similar tragedies are unfolding from Ada to Anlo, from Cape Coast to Axim, we cannot continue to turn a blind eye.”
President John Dramani Mahama
Project Timeline
The newly launched phase of the project will be implemented over the 2025–2029 period by contractors Amandi Holdings Limited.
The initiative will deliver eight kilometres of robust coastal protection infrastructure, including 37 groynes, dune restoration, reinforced embankments, and other shoreline defences. But as the President made clear, this project extends beyond environmental protection.
The President further noted that the administration is incorporating community infrastructure that will boost the local livelihoods of the people.
These additional features include a modern fish market, cold storage and processing facilities, dedicated fish drying and smoking areas, a car park, a lorry station, sanitation amenities, and a waste collection system.
“This is more than just coastal protection work. It is a comprehensive resilience initiative—blending environmental protection with socio-economic infrastructure.”
President John Dramani Mahama
The President called on all stakeholders—particularly the Ministry of Works and Housing, the Ghana Hydrological Authority, the Ketu South Municipal Assembly, contractors, consultants, and traditional leaders—to work with unity and purpose to ensure the project’s success.
He also made a passionate appeal to the youth to take ownership by respecting construction zones, avoiding harmful activities such as illegal sand winning, promoting environmental awareness, and helping to maintain the infrastructure when completed.
WACA Project
In addition to the Blekusu project, President Mahama disclosed that another major coastal protection initiative, known as the WACA Project, is awaiting approval at the Ministry of Environment.
This project, he said, will take over from where Blekusu ends and extend all the way to Aflao. “The WACA Project will have beach replenishment, and the sea will be pushed back so that the beaches can be expanded, allowing for more activity,” he explained.
Reflecting on the hardship endured by coastal communities over the years, President Mahama was emphatic in his resolve and assured the people of action.
“The sea has taken a lot from this community. It has taken land. It has taken property. It has taken livelihoods, and it has taken our peace of mind. But today, I stand here to say: no more will the sea consume our land.
“We’re here to reclaim what has been lost, to rebuild stronger, to offer our children a future where they are not forced to flee their homes because of rising tidal waves.”
President John Dramani Mahama
President Mahama framed the Blekusu intervention as part of his broader national agenda to build a resilient and inclusive Ghana—one where every citizen, regardless of location, lives in safety and dignity. “This project and others like it reflect my government’s commitment to building a Ghana where no community is left behind.”
In closing, the President announced a further development aimed at enhancing economic life in the Volta Region. “I am pleased to announce that we have received a grant from the Chinese government to commence the construction of the Aflao New Market that was promised,” he stated.
The project, to be located in Aflao-Ashigame, is expected to modernise local commerce and improve the economic landscape of the region.
For the people of Blekusu and surrounding areas, this groundbreaking ceremony is more than a public works project—it is a sign that after years of waiting, the state has finally returned to stand with them against the rising tide.
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