Ghana: President Mahama flags off work on second phase of Blekusu sea defence project
The project, a significant initiative that will protect lives and livelihoods in the Ketu South Municipality of the Volta Region, was met with palpable joy and deep gratitude from the chiefs and people of the Some and Aflao Traditional Areas, who gathered to witness the realisation of a long-awaited development.
The ceremony saw an emotional outpouring of appreciation, as community members sang praises and danced, celebrating the President's commitment to addressing their decades-long struggle against severe tidal erosion.
Upon completion in four years, the project, which will protect an 8-kilometre stretch of coastline, is set to bring immense relief to the communities of Blekusu, Agavedzi, Salakope, Amutsinu, and Adina.
Messrs Amandi Holding Limited is the contractor and will deliver 37 groins, extensive dune restoration, reinforced embankments, and other critical shoreline defence structures.
President Mahama stated that the project is a comprehensive one that will extend beyond mere coastal protection.
'Aside from the coastal protection works, government has incorporated vital development projects to enhance the lives of the people in the affected area,' he noted.
These integrated initiatives include a modern fish market, cold storage and processing facilities for fisherfolk, dedicated spaces for fish drying and smoking, a car park, and a lorry station. Additionally, public sanitation facilities and a comprehensive waste collection system will be provided.
'The sea has taken a lot from this community. It has taken land, it has taken livelihoods, and it has taken our peace of mind. But today, I stand here to say no more will the sea consume our land', the President said.
'We are here to reclaim what has been lost, to rebuild stronger, to offer our children a future where they are not forced to flee their homes because of rising tidal waves.'
President Mahama added that the Blekusu Coastal Protection Project and other ongoing infrastructure developments reflect his government's strong dedication to building a better Ghana.
'This is not merely symbolic,' he asserted, 'but a clear demonstration of what responsive leadership can do when it listens, when it cares, and when it acts.'
Phase I of the project, covering 4.3 kilometres of coastal defence works, commenced in 2015 under the Presidency of Mahama to mitigate the serious threat of tidal erosion in Ketu South.
While that phase offered significant relief, the President lamented, 'Unfortunately, for nearly a decade after this, the second phase of the project stalled. Despite repeated appeals by residents, Members of Parliament, traditional authorities, and civil society, the project did not commence.'
The President specifically referenced the devastating tidal waves that pounded the communities in 2017 and again in 2021, recalling the harrowing images.
I can still picture the videos and photos showing the aftermath of these tidal waves,' he said, highlighting 'the pain, the anxiety, the fear that was etched on the faces of our fellow citizens.'
He reaffirmed the pledge he made earlier this year during his visit to the Volta Region, promising swift action.
'And today, I am proud to say that this commitment is being fulfilled. Your cries have not been in vain. Your voices will no longer be ignored. Today is your day – a day of renewal and a day of reassurance.'
President Mahama also announced progress on the West Africa Coastal Areas (WACA) Programme, designed to enhance coastal resilience across the sub-region.
Currently awaiting approval, the WACA project is envisioned to extend coastal protection from where the Blekusu project ends, all the way to Aflao, securing Ghana's vital 550-kilometre coastline, which supports countless livelihoods through fishing, trade, and tourism.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
a day ago
- Zawya
Ghana: Finance Minister Chairs New 13-Member Public-Private Partnership Working Committee
The Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has been inaugurated as Chair of a newly constituted 13-member Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Working Committee aimed at deepening collaboration between the government and the private sector to fund critical infrastructure and development projects. The inauguration was conducted by Deputy Finance Minister, Hon. Thomas Ampem Nyarko, who underscored the importance of the committee's work in the context of limited fiscal space. He stressed that enhanced private sector engagement is now essential to meeting the country's development needs. In his remarks, Dr. Forson emphasized the need to reform how PPPs are designed and executed in Ghana. He said the era where government-dominated projects are called public-private partnerships must end. True PPPs must involve real risk-sharing between government and the private sector. According to him, what has been seen over the years does not reflect what a proper PPP should be. The committee is tasked with streamlining Ghana's PPP framework to ensure that future projects are sustainable, transparent, and deliver value for money. Members of the Committee: 1. Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, MP – Minister for Finance (Chairperson) 2. Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, MP – Attorney General and Minister for Justice 3. Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, MP – Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry 4. Dr. Audrey Smock Amoah – Director-General, National Development Planning Commission 5. Mr. Simon Madjie – CEO, Ghana Investment Promotion Centre 6. Mr. Frank Mante – CEO, Public Procurement Authority 7. Prof. Nana Ama Brown Klutse – Executive Director, Environmental Protection Agency 8. Prof. Anthony Owusu-Ansah – Executive Secretary, Lands Commission 9. Mr. Samuel Manu Asiama – Chartered Institute of Bankers Representative 10. Ing. Festus Ofoli Odametey – Ghana Institution of Engineers Representative 11. Mad. Nana Oye Bampoe Addo – Deputy Chief of Staff, Office of the President 12. Mad. Shamima Muslim – Deputy Presidential Spokesperson 13. Mr. Patrick Nomo – Chief Director, Ministry of Finance (Secretary) The committee is expected to provide technical guidance and oversight to ensure that PPPs are properly structured and aligned with Ghana's development goals. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Finance - Republic of Ghana.
Zawya
3 days ago
- Zawya
President Mahama Ends ‘Thank You' Tour: Calls for Unity, Economic Transformation, and Peace
President John Dramani Mahama on Friday concluded his national 'Thank You' Tour triumphantly in Dambai, Oti Region. The tour, a journey of appreciation and dialogue, saw the President reaffirm his commitment to governing Ghana with sincerity, dedication, vision, and integrity. Throughout his engagements across the 16 regions, President Mahama emphasised the crucial role of traditional leaders. He reiterated his dedication to strengthening traditional governance frameworks and improving the capacity of Chiefs to actively and meaningfully participate in national decision-making processes. Addressing a lively and colourful durbar in Dambai, President Mahama gave an encouraging update on his administration's flagship economic plan. 'I am pleased to report that our Reset Agenda is firmly on track,' he declared. 'We have begun a bold and necessary journey—to reset our economy, rebuild national institutions, and restore hope. This is the Reset Agenda, grounded in fairness, discipline, inclusion, and accountability.' He encouraged Ghanaians to embrace a new mindset and actively engage in the transformative national journey. President Mahama called for collective action to unlock the potential of the country: 'The time to act is now. I urge you to embrace the opportunities presented by our flagship initiatives—from the 24-Hour Economy to the National Apprenticeship Programme, Free Primary Healthcare, Digital Governance, and Export-Led Industrialisation.' A significant portion of the President's address was dedicated to the indispensable role of peace in fostering national development. He expressed deep concern over the recent insecurity in Nkwanta, condemning the 'unfortunate killing, maiming of innocent people and destruction to property over disagreements' as utterly unacceptable. Mr Mahama said, 'All these things I've talked about, all this infrastructure development I've talked about, cannot take place if we do not have peace. And that's why the development in Nkwanta is troubling.' He made a fervent appeal to all parties involved, 'I wish to appeal to all those in Nkwanta who are involved in the conflict to please lay down your arms.' Responding to an appeal by Nana Soglo Alloh IV, Paramount Chief of the Likpe Traditional Area and President of the Oti Regional House of Chiefs, for a military barracks in Nkwanta, President Mahama stated that there is a need for local, sustainable solutions over military intervention. He argued that resources dedicated to a military camp could be better invested in life-changing development projects. 'It's completely unacceptable,' he stated firmly. 'Let's use our traditional mechanisms to establish peace. We should be fighting poverty, not fighting each other. We should be asking for hospitals and schools and jobs and things, not military camps.' The President shared positive feedback from the 2025 Mid-year Budget Review, indicating Ghanaians are satisfied with the government's economic management so far. He defined the 'Reset Agenda' as a bold journey to reset our economy, rebuild national institutions, and restore hope, all grounded in fairness, discipline, inclusion, and accountability. President Mahama urged everyone to seize opportunities from flagship initiatives like the 24-Hour Economy, National Apprenticeship Programme, Free Primary Healthcare, Digital Governance and Export-Led Industrialisation The President expressed deep concern about the insecurity in Nkwanta, appealing for an end to the conflict. 'All this development cannot take place if we do not have peace,' he stressed. 'We should be fighting poverty, not fighting each other. We should be asking for hospitals and schools and jobs and things, not military camps.' Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.
Zawya
3 days ago
- Zawya
President Mahama Unveils Road Master Plan to Transform Oti Region
President John Dramani Mahama has stated that the Oti Region will receive its fair share of resources from the national budget to develop critical infrastructure, including roads, education and health. Describing this as a top national priority, President Mahama mentioned in his address at a Thank You Tour durbar in Dambai, Oti Region, that these strategic investments are essential for unlocking the full economic potential of the Volta Basin and for Ghana's overall progress. The President made these pronouncements while addressing a vibrant durbar of Chiefs and people at the Dambai College of Education, marking the last stop of his 'Thank You Tour' across all 16 regions of Ghana. He assured residents that the vital Eastern Corridor Road, a cornerstone of national transportation, would be fully completed during his tenure. President Mahama recognised that the Oti Region plays a pivotal role as a key transit zone for goods and food between the North and South. He also announced that the completion of the Nkwanta-Kpassa-Oti Damanko stretch of the Eastern Corridor is fully secured, with contracts already signed and contractors mobilised to the site for immediate commencement. This commitment was met with enthusiastic cheers from the appreciative audience. Beyond this, the President detailed an extensive list of other critical road projects earmarked for rapid execution. These include: * Upgrading of Okadjakrom-Kwamekrom Road * Upgrading of Apotoase-Atonko Road * Upgrading of Kpassa-Tijansi Road * Upgrading of Nkwanta-Oti Damanko Road * Rehabilitation of Hohoe-Jasikan Road * Rehabilitation of Hohoe-Baika-Jasikan Road * Construction of Nkwanta-Dambai Road A significant highlight of his address was his assurance to construct a bridge over the River Oti. President Mahama confirmed that funding for the project has been secured in the mid-year budget, pledging its commencement within the year. 'I will personally return to cut the sod for this bridge, marking the start of a new chapter for connectivity,' he declared. President Mahama also revealed that technical costing and procurement processes are underway for additional road projects across the Kete-Krachi, Krachi Nchumuru, and Guan Districts. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.
