Ghana receives World Bank support to address coastal zone challenges - Environment Minister

The Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Madam Ophelia Mensah Hayford has said the management of Ghana’s coastal zone and natural environment was crucial for sustainable development and climate resilience.

She made the statement at the launch of phase two of the West Africa Coastal Areas Resilience Investment Project (WACA ResIP II) on Wednesday in Accra.

She noted that coastal areas are faced with significant environmental challenges, “the most pressing of it, is the alarming rate of erosion.”

The minister disclosed that the project, with a total investment of $155 million in grants and loans from the World Bank, aims to address these challenges through a comprehensive and integrated approach.

She stated that the project would focus on coastal erosion and flooding control works, pollution control, ecosystem management and restoration activities, as well as the development of an integrated Coastal Policy and Sustainable Oceans Plan.

"The innovative approach of WACA goes beyond traditional hard engineering solutions and embraces holistic, sustainable methodologies, including nature-based solutions and hybrid systems. This forward-thinking strategy addresses immediate concerns and promotes long-term environmental resilience," she added.

According to Madam Mensah Hayford, the project would also support social sub-projects to empower coastal communities, including the construction of infrastructure such as portable drinking water, schools and sanitation facilities, as well as livelihood diversification activities like aquaculture, mangrove restoration and waste management.

"This project is not just about mitigating environmental damage; it is about creating opportunities for job and wealth creation, thus contributing to the overall socio-economic development of our nation," she said.

She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the successful implementation of the project.

On her part, the Programme Leader for Sustainable Development of the World Bank for West Africa, Mrs Naila Ahmed, said that Ghana’s 5.5 million coastal residents face significant challenges as 80 per cent of the coastline was highly vulnerable to erosion and flooding.

She said that the first phase of the WACA project had benefited 27,000 households who were now less exposed to coastal erosion and flooding.

“Over 27,000 households are now less exposed to coastal erosion and flooding. Over 27,000 hectares of natural habitat in the coastal zone have been restored. 4,200 people have benefited from social self-projects, 75% of them being women. Additionally, there have been 4,600 full-time jobs that have been created. By integrating lessons learned and best practices from the programme, Ghana could advance its capacity to address coastal challenges effectively and sustainably,” she disclosed.