President John Dramani Mahama on Saturday, July 19, 2025, officially cut the sod for the commencement of Phase II of the Blekusu Coastal Protection Project at Agavedzi in the Ketu South District of the Volta Region, bringing renewed hope to coastal communities that have endured decades of devastating tidal wave destruction.
The ceremonial groundbreaking marks a significant milestone in Ghana’s coastal defense strategy, as President Mahama returns to complete a project he originally initiated during his previous administration.
Speaking before a gathering of residents, traditional chiefs, and stakeholders at Blekusu, the President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusive development and protection for all Ghanaians, regardless of their geographical location.
The communities of Agavedzi, Salakope, Amutsinu, and Adina have suffered immensely from coastal erosion over the years, with homes, farms, and livelihoods swept away by relentless ocean waves.
For these residents, the President’s presence and the official launch of Phase II represents more than just infrastructure development – it symbolizes hope and governmental commitment to their survival.
Phase II of the Blekusu Coastal Protection Project represents a sophisticated engineering undertaking designed to provide robust defense against the Atlantic Ocean’s destructive forces.
The project entails the construction of 37 armour rock groynes at approximately 220-meter intervals with land reclamation to protect eight kilometers of the coastline.
Spanning four years (2025–2029), Phase II will be executed by Armandine Golding Limited under the supervision of the Ghana Hydrological Authority.
This comprehensive approach combines structural barriers with beach nourishment techniques to create a sustainable coastal protection system that will safeguard communities for generations to come.
The 37 groynes will serve as perpendicular barriers extending from the shoreline into the sea, designed to trap sand and reduce wave energy.
This engineering approach, combined with land reclamation activities, will effectively extend the protected coastline by eight kilometers, covering vulnerable settlements that have been at the mercy of oceanic forces.
The project’s four-year implementation timeline demonstrates the government’s commitment to methodical and sustainable coastal protection.
Beginning in 2025, the construction will progress systematically along the coastline, ensuring that each section receives adequate attention and quality construction.
The selection of Armandine Golding Limited as the primary contractor, working under Ghana Hydrological Authority supervision, ensures that international expertise combines with local knowledge to deliver optimal results.
This partnership approach has proven successful in similar coastal protection projects across West Africa.
President Mahama, addressing the gathering, reaffirmed his dedication to inclusive development and protection for all Ghanaians, regardless of location, urging the government to prioritize vulnerable communities and continue projects that directly impact lives.
The Blekusu project represents more than coastal defense; it embodies a broader vision of equitable development that reaches Ghana’s most vulnerable communities.
The Volta Region’s coastal areas have historically faced challenges in accessing large-scale infrastructure investments, making this project particularly significant for regional development balance.
Local residents have expressed overwhelming gratitude for the project’s commencement, viewing it as validation of their decades-long struggle against coastal erosion.
The initiative promises to restore economic activities, protect agricultural lands, and provide security for families who have lived in constant fear of displacement.
The project’s completion will enable sustainable fishing activities, support tourism development, and create employment opportunities throughout the construction period and beyond.
For communities like Agavedzi, which have seen entire neighborhoods disappear beneath the waves, the Phase II project represents nothing less than a lifeline to future prosperity and security.
As construction begins, the Blekusu Coastal Protection Project Phase II stands as a testament to responsive governance and Ghana’s commitment to protecting its most vulnerable citizens from the growing challenges of coastal erosion and climate change.
Story Written By Prince Asante Kwarteng | Kobby Kyei News
