Kosi Zu-Cudjoe urges mangrove restoration to combat coastal erosion

Kosi Zu-Cudjoe, the Volta Regional Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has advocated for mangrove reafforestation as a superior and more sustainable defense against sea erosion compared to concrete barriers. Speaking at the 2026 Climate Talks, Mr. Zu-Cudjoe explained that natural barriers formed by mangroves not only protect the shoreline but also support the ecological health of the region and the livelihoods of coastal residents. He argued that the reliance on concrete sea walls is often insufficient to address the long-term challenges posed by the rising sea.

To strengthen coastal defenses, the EPA director called for an immediate and total ban on beach mining, a practice he identified as a major contributor to land degradation. He further recommended the implementation of a national early warning system to help coastal communities better anticipate and prepare for environmental threats. These measures, he suggested, are necessary to create a comprehensive management strategy that moves beyond simple structural interventions.

The proposal received support from international and local representatives. German Ambassador Frederik Landshoft emphasized that coastal erosion is a matter of human security and pledged his country’s continued partnership in addressing environmental vulnerabilities in Ghana. Additionally, Togbe Agbesi Awusu II urged the government to accelerate the implementation of the West Africa Coastal Areas Management Programme (WACA). He noted that urgent action is required to protect the socioeconomic stability of communities currently facing the threat of displacement by the sea.