Mahama Launches Phase II of Blekusu Coastal Project to Shield Volta Coast

In a deeply emotional and long-awaited ceremony, President John Dramani Mahama broke ground on Phase II of the Blekusu Coastal Protection Project in Agavedzi, Ketu South Municipality, on Saturday, marking a significant milestone in Ghana’s commitment to safeguard its vulnerable coastal communities from the ongoing threat of tidal erosion.

The ceremony, attended by hundreds of elated residents and traditional leaders from the Some and Aflao Traditional Areas, was filled with jubilant dancing, singing, and heartfelt expressions of gratitude. For communities long battered by the sea’s encroachment, the moment symbolized more than a project—it heralded the beginning of renewal, safety, and dignity.

A Vital Shield for Vulnerable Communities

The second phase of the Blekusu project, expected to be completed in four years, will provide robust shoreline defense across an 8-kilometre stretch of Ghana’s southeast coast. It will protect five high-risk communities: Blekusu, Agavedzi, Salakope, Amutsinu, and Adina, which have been repeatedly devastated by tidal waves and coastline recession.

The construction, to be executed by Messrs Amandi Holding Limited, includes:

• 37 groins to disrupt and reduce wave energy

• Dune restoration to rebuild natural buffers

• Reinforced embankments to protect inland settlements

• Other critical engineering interventions designed to offer long-term coastal resilience

“No More Will the Sea Consume Our Land”

President Mahama, addressing a visibly moved crowd, emphasized the importance of this initiative beyond physical infrastructure. “The sea has taken a lot from this community,” he said. “It has taken land, it has taken livelihoods, and it has taken our peace of mind. But today, I stand here to say: no more.”

He described the project as comprehensive and community-oriented, aimed not only at curbing erosion but restoring livelihoods, enhancing economic activities, and improving the overall well-being of affected populations.

Integrated Development for a Resilient Future

The government has incorporated into the coastal protection effort a range of ancillary development projects that will uplift local communities. These include:

• A modern fish market and cold storage facilities to support fisherfolk

• Fish processing units, including spaces for drying and smoking

• A lorry station and car park to boost regional transport

• Sanitation facilities and a waste management system for environmental health

These components, President Mahama stated, reflect his government’s dedication to human-centered development. “We are not just building walls against the sea,” he said. “We are building platforms for growth, trade, and dignity.”

Revisiting a Stalled Legacy

The Blekusu Coastal Protection Project began under Mahama’s leadership in 2015, with Phase I spanning 4.3 kilometers. While this initial effort provided temporary relief, the second phase stalled for nearly a decade, despite repeated pleas from residents, MPs, traditional authorities, and civil society.

President Mahama lamented the delays and referenced the devastating tidal waves of 2017 and 2021, which ravaged homes and displaced families. “I can still picture the videos and photos of those disasters,” he said, “the fear and anguish written across the faces of our people.”

His return to Agavedzi to restart the project was thus not just ceremonial—it was deeply personal and politically symbolic. “Today is your day,” he told the crowd. “A day of renewal and a day of reassurance.”

Coastal Protection as National Strategy

Looking ahead, Mahama announced progress on the West Africa Coastal Areas (WACA) Programme, a major regional initiative aimed at improving coastal resilience from Blekusu to Aflao and beyond. The project, currently awaiting approval, will further fortify Ghana’s 550-kilometre coastline, which supports millions through fishing, trade, and tourism.

The WACA programme aligns with Ghana’s broader climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction strategy, as the country grapples with the rising threats of climate change, coastal degradation, and sea-level rise.

A Promise Fulfilled, a Future Secured

As drums beat and praises echoed through Agavedzi, the event became a powerful reminder of what responsive leadership can achieve when it listens and acts. Mahama concluded by reaffirming his vision for a resilient and inclusive Ghana.

“This is not merely symbolic,” he declared. “It is proof of what leadership looks like when it responds, when it delivers, and when it stands by the people.”

With Phase II of the Blekusu Coastal Protection Project now underway, a long-suffering region stands at the threshold of transformation—hopeful that the sea will no longer be a source of fear, but one of opportunity.