John Mahama earmarks GH₵250m to complete Blekusu coastal protection

President John Mahama has announced an allocation of GH₵250 million in the upcoming 2027 budget to ensure the completion of the Blekusu Phase Two coastal protection project. Speaking at the 2026 Hogbetsotso Festival in Anloga, the President addressed the urgent concerns of traditional leaders regarding the persistent threat of coastal erosion in the Volta Region. The funding is specifically designated for finishing the infrastructure necessary to safeguard vulnerable communities along the coast.

The Phase Two project, which was launched in July 2025, involves the construction of protective groynes and embankments along an eight-kilometer stretch of the Blekusu coastline. These engineering measures are designed to mitigate the impact of tidal waves that have historically displaced residents and destroyed property. President Mahama noted that the decision to provide these additional funds was a direct response to appeals from local residents and traditional authorities who have witnessed the sea's steady encroachment on their lands.

In addition to the Blekusu works, the President disclosed a wider commitment of GH₵685 million for the West African Coastal Areas Resilience Investment Project (WACA). This broader initiative integrates large-scale infrastructure with environmental restoration and community support programs. Mahama emphasized that while physical barriers like groynes are essential, the preservation of natural defenses, such as mangroves and wetlands, remains critical to the long-term resilience of Ghana’s coastline against climate change.

The 2027 budget allocation reflects the government’s focus on infrastructure that protects both lives and livelihoods in high-risk coastal areas. By combining engineering solutions with ecosystem restoration, the administration seeks to provide a sustainable solution to the erosion crisis. As the project moves into its final phase, the government is calling for active community participation in environmental conservation to ensure the long-term effectiveness of the new sea defenses.