Coastal communities in Ghana, particularly in the southern parts of the Volta Region, continue to grapple with the devastating effects of erosion, tidal waves, and rising sea levels.
Despite awareness of the West Africa Coastal Areas Management Programme (WACA) and its mandate to address these environmental challenges, residents feel abandoned as tangible interventions remain elusive.
The Coordinator of the Coastal Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) Forum, Noble Wadjah, has raised concerns about the apparent disconnect between WACA’s objectives and the realities on the ground.
Speaking about the urgent need for a coordinated response, he highlighted the dire situation faced by affected communities and the critical role of government agencies in finding immediate solutions.
A crisis worsened by climate change and infrastructure deficiencies
The rapid degradation of Ghana’s coastline, particularly in the Volta Region, has led to the forced displacement of several communities. Many residents have been compelled to migrate inland, only to face new threats in their resettlement areas.
According to Mr Wadjah, while climate change is undeniably exacerbating the crisis, infrastructure developments, such as the construction of harbours, have also contributed to the acceleration of erosion.
“If you study the entire Southern Water Conference and the historical challenges of coastal erosion, you would understand that even the construction of harbours plays a role in this crisis. While these projects serve economic purposes, they also contribute to shifts in ocean currents, resulting in more severe coastal erosion,” he explained.
Beyond these structural challenges, climate change has intensified the frequency and impact of tidal waves, pushing the problem to catastrophic levels. The consequence is the relentless encroachment of the sea, leading to the gradual disappearance of communities.
WACA’s response: promises without action?
WACA was introduced as a multi-country initiative aimed at strengthening coastal resilience and mitigating the threats posed by erosion and flooding.
However, Mr Wadjah expressed concern that, while local communities are aware of WACA’s existence and its intended interventions, they have yet to see meaningful action.
“Citizens are aware of WACA and the challenges it is supposed to address, but they do not see any real intervention. WACA’s processes may be in line with World Bank standards, but how do we communicate these technicalities to citizens who are suffering today? If people do not see immediate responses, they will lose faith in the accountability of such initiatives,” he stated.
He emphasised the need for a more transparent and inclusive communication strategy, arguing that affected communities must be kept informed about the progress of interventions, rather than being left in the dark.
A call for immediate Government action
The Coastal CSOs Forum has proposed an emergency meeting with key government agencies to discuss immediate steps to address the crisis.
While acknowledging that some levels of government engagement have occurred—including discussions within the Ministry of Environment— Mr Wadjah insists that there has been little to no physical response to mitigate the ongoing destruction.
“We understand that Ghana is currently in a political transition, which can sometimes slow project implementation. However, the new Minister responsible for WACA must give this crisis urgent attention. If immediate action is not taken, the situation will spiral out of control, leaving thousands displaced,” he cautioned.
He also stressed the importance of ensuring that responses are not delayed by bureaucratic bottlenecks, urging the government to provide short-term relief measures while long-term interventions are finalised.
The human cost: displaced and forgotten?
As the sea continues to claim more land, many coastal dwellers are left in limbo—forced to abandon their ancestral homes without any structured relocation plans. The impact extends beyond housing; livelihoods, particularly those tied to fishing and salt mining, are being destroyed.
“We cannot afford to sit as a country and watch sections of our population disappear due to environmental neglect. If this continues, entire towns will be wiped off the map, and the social and economic implications will be disastrous,” Wadjah warned.
Next steps: The government’s obligation to act
As civil society groups push for immediate engagement with the government, all eyes are on policymakers to see whether they will prioritise the issue.
The call is not only for a swift response but also for a well-structured plan that ensures affected communities are protected, relocated where necessary, and provided with sustainable alternatives for their livelihoods.
The erosion crisis along Ghana’s coast is not a future problem—it is happening now. The question remains: will the government and WACA rise to the occasion before it is too late?
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