President Mahama announces GH¢935million allocation for coastal protection and Blekusu Sea Defence Project

President John Dramani Mahama has announced a total allocation of GH¢935 million for coastal protection works and the continuation and completion of the Blekusu Phase II Sea Defence Project in the Volta Region, drawn from two distinct funding sources.

The total amount consists of GH¢685 million allocated to commence works under the West African Coastal Areas Resilience Investment Project and an additional GH¢250 million earmarked in the 2027 Budget for the Blekusu project.

The President made the announcement at the grand durbar of the Hogbetsotso Festival at Anloga on Saturday, November 7, 2026, following appeals by Anlo traditional leaders over the destruction caused by tidal waves and coastal erosion in communities along the coastline.

The traditional leaders had appealed for the uninterrupted continuation of the Blekusu Sea Defence Project and progress on the proposed Keta Port. They also drew attention to the destruction of homes, fishing livelihoods and community facilities.

Responding to the appeals, President Mahama said the GH¢685 million allocation would enable the commencement of coastal protection works under the West African Coastal Areas Resilience Investment Project.

“…I can answer you directly on this one and confirm that 685 million Ghana cedis have been allocated to commence coastal protection works under the West African Coastal Areas Resilience Investment Project, popularly known as WACA. The anxiety of our coastal communities deserves our immediate attention,” he said.

He said the project would involve the construction of breakwaters, groynes and revetments, dune stabilisation through vegetation, beach replenishment, wetlands restoration, and the rehabilitation of lagoons and watersheds. The project would also provide livelihood support for affected communities, particularly young people, women and persons with disabilities.

On the Blekusu Phase II Sea Defence Project, which he commissioned after assuming office, President Mahama said work was progressing and announced an additional GH¢250 million allocation in the 2027 Budget to continue and complete the project.

“I am happy with the progress of work, and I wish to inform you that an additional amount of GH¢250 million has been allocated in the 2027 budget for the continuation and completion of the Blekusu Phase Two project,” he said.

On the proposed Keta Port, President Mahama disclosed that 47 companies had submitted expressions of interest to partner the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority on the project.

He said due diligence had reduced the number to seven companies, which were proceeding to the next stage of completing designs and arranging financing. The administration block for the project is expected to be completed by the end of the first quarter of 2027.

President Mahama also announced plans for the development of a 200-acre light industrial area at Weta for the textiles and garments industry. He said the Ghana EXIM Bank had been commissioned to undertake the development, which was expected to create about 3,000 jobs in its initial phase. The number of jobs is projected to increase to 10,000 when the facility becomes fully operational.

President Mahama said the effects of coastal erosion went beyond physical damage to property, stressing the impact on the security and livelihoods of affected households. “Behind every damaged home is a household whose security has been taken away from them,” he said.