Ghana’s coastal communities are currently grappling with a worsening humanitarian crisis caused by rising tidal waves. These destructive forces have led to the displacement of families, the destruction of homes, and the endangerment of livelihoods. In response to this dire situation, the Coastal Civil Society Forum (CCF) Coordinator, Noble Wadzah, recently visited the affected communities to show solidarity and shed light on the role of the West Africa Coastal Areas (WACA) Resilient Investment Project II (ResIP II) in addressing coastal erosion and building resilience.
During his visit, Wadzah engaged with members of the CCF and listened to the concerns of displaced residents who have lost everything to the relentless tidal waves. The Forum reassured the affected communities that while WACA is actively involved in mitigating coastal challenges, its interventions are designed to be structured, long-term, and focused on sustainable coastal resilience rather than providing short-term emergency relief.
“Our presence here today is to stand in solidarity with the affected communities. We recognize their pain and the urgent need for interventions. However, it is important to understand that WACA is committed to structured approaches to coastal resilience, including nature-based solutions such as sand dunes and mangrove restoration for erosion, flooding, and pollution controls,” stated Noble Wadzah.
Although some residents had hoped for immediate interventions, the CCF coordinator clarified that the responsibility for immediate humanitarian relief and intervention rests with the Government of Ghana. The Forum urged the government to act swiftly to address the immediate needs of displaced families while emphasizing that WACA’s efforts are part of a broader long-term strategy.
Wadzah highlighted the successful coastal resilience projects in Benin and Togo where WACA has implemented long-term, data-driven solutions. He stressed that Ghana should adopt a similar systematic approach rather than relying on short-term fixes that may not address the overarching objectives of coastal resilience.
It is essential for all stakeholders, including the government, civil society organizations, and development partners, to work together cohesively to address the challenges faced by Ghana’s coastal communities. By implementing sustainable solutions and prioritizing long-term resilience-building efforts, the country can effectively combat the devastating impact of coastal erosion and safeguard the livelihoods of its coastal residents.
