President John Dramani Mahama has officially cut the sod for the commencement of Phase II of the Blekusu Sea Defence Project in the Volta Region.
The project, which is expected to be completed within forty-eight (48) months, marks a significant step towards curbing the devastating effects of coastal erosion that have plagued the area for decades.
It comes four years after Matthew Opoku Prempeh, then the Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, kicked against the recommendation by the Minority caucus in Parliament that the Keta Sea Defence project be captured in the 2022 budget.
NAPO, as he is called, at the time insisted that it would be a mistake on the part of the Akufo-Addo government to include the project in the budget, and threatened on Asempa FM on Thursday, December 2, 2021 to mobilize residents of Kumasi to hit the streets and express anger against the NPP government if it grants the wish of the then NDC minority.
Long-awaited by the people of Ketu South, the Mahama government initiative will extend protective structures along critical stretches of the shoreline, shielding several communities from the relentless tidal waves that have disrupted lives and displaced families.
Mr Mahama, who initiated the first phase of the sea defence project during his first term as President, emphasised the urgency of completing this next phase to ensure the long-term safety and stability of the coastal belt.
The scope of work under the Blekusu Coastal Protection Project (Phase II) includes the construction of 37 armour rock groynes at approximately 220-metre intervals, along with land reclamation to protect eight (8) kilometres of coastline.
Speaking at a gathering of residents, chiefs, and stakeholders in Blekusu on Saturday, 19 July, President Mahama described the sod-cutting ceremony as a demonstration of responsive leadership, reaffirming the government’s commitment to addressing a problem that has persisted for far too long.
“This occasion is not just symbolic. It is a clear demonstration of what leadership can achieve when it listens, when it cares, and when it takes action,” he stated.
The coastal stretch, covering Blekusu, Agavedzi, Salakope, Amutinu, and Adina, has suffered the severe effects of sea erosion over the years. Entire homes, farmlands, and businesses have been swept away, displacing families and destroying livelihoods.
President Mahama recalled that in 2015, his administration initiated the first phase of the project, which involved the construction of 4.6 kilometres of sea defence infrastructure. However, for nearly a decade, work on the second phase stalled despite repeated appeals from residents, traditional authorities, and civil society groups.
“I can still picture the videos and images showing the damage caused by the tidal waves – the pain, the fear, and the loss on the faces of our fellow citizens. Earlier this year, during my visit here, I gave you my word. Today, I am here to fulfil that promise,” he said.
Phase II of the Blekusu Project is expected to cover an additional 8 kilometres of coastal protection. Scheduled to run from 2025 to 2029, the project is being executed by Amandi Holdings Ltd. and will include the construction of 37 groynes, dune restoration, reinforced embankments, and other shoreline defence works.
In addition to sea defence structures, the President announced that the project will incorporate key community infrastructure to support livelihoods. These include a modern fish market, cold storage and fish processing facilities, designated areas for drying and smoking fish, a car park and lorry station, and a waste collection system.
“This is more than just a coastal protection project. It is a comprehensive resilience initiative that combines environmental protection with socio-economic development,” President Mahama noted.
He called on all stakeholders – the Ministry of Works and Housing, the Ghana Hydrological Authority, the Ketu South Municipal Assembly, the contractors, and the beneficiary communities – to collaborate to ensure the successful and timely delivery of the project.
President Mahama also encouraged young people in the area to support the project actively.
“Respect the construction zones and timelines. Avoid illegal sand winning. Promote environmental awareness and help protect the infrastructure once completed,” he urged.
The President used the occasion to announce a new initiative for the area.
“I am pleased to inform you that we have secured a grant from the Chinese government to begin construction of the Aflao New Market, also known as Aflao Asigame. This project will boost local trade and improve livelihoods,” he said.
He concluded on a strong note of reassurance and hope: “The sea has taken so much from this community – land, property, livelihoods, and our peace of mind. But today, I say: no more. We are here to reclaim what has been lost and to build stronger.”
President Mahama was accompanied by the sector Minister, Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, together with his technical team from the Ghana Hydrological Authority. They had inspected the site at Agavadzi in the Ketu South Municipality, Volta Region, ahead of the president’s arrival.
The former Energy Minister stated on Asempa FM on Thursday, December 2, 2021, that Kumasi has been experiencing flooding over the years and that the government has made no special plan to address the issue.
He also accused the Rawlings government of misapplying funds which were secured to fund the construction of sea defence projects in the Volta Region.
“Kumasi has been flooded four times, but I didn’t see Kumasi in the budget. If the Finance Minister includes the Keta Sea Defence Project in the budget, I will vote for zero per cent (E-levy).
“Budget is a national business document that cannot solve all our problems in a day. Between 1998 and 2000, NDC went for money for sea defence at Keta, but they chopped the money. They used the money for something else. When NDC were in power, Keta was still experiencing tidal waves. They went for a loan in the name of that project, but they didn’t do it. President Kufuor had to contract another loan for it, but they still voted against him.
“Eight years of NDC (2008-2016), I didn’t see the Keta Sea Defence Project anywhere, so if you go to the opposition and you ask me to include it in the budget, when Kumasi flooding is also not in the budget, we’ll protest. If the Finance Minister makes a mistake and adds it to the budget, I will lead Kumasi residents on a demonstration,” he said on Asempa FM.
The Keta Sea Defence Project was one of several concessions the NDC MPs wanted the Akufo-Addo government to make before they approved the budget.
The Haruna Iddrisu-led minority also wanted a scrapping of the 1.75% Electronic Transaction levy and the benchmark value.
The Minority in a fresh statement issued on Friday, December 3, 2021, reaffirmed its stance against the E-levy, stressing that it will oppose the budget until the proposed levy is expunged from the budget.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the position of the NDC Caucus in Parliament right from the outset of the 2022 Budget debate has been that the 1.75% E-Levy government is seeking to impose is regressive, punitive and draconian, and that same must be suspended.
“The Minority Caucus has vigorously championed this position in Parliament and in the media space to draw the Government’s attention to our demands,” parts of the statement read.
