ActionAid Ghana trains 53 coastal artisans in climate-Resilient Housing

ActionAid Ghana, in partnership with Habitat for Humanity International and UN-Habitat, has trained 53 local artisans from coastal communities in the Ada East, Ada West and Anloga districts in climate-resilient housing construction techniques.

The initiative forms part of the Adaptation Fund-supported Improved Resilience of Coastal Communities in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana (IRCC) project, which seeks to strengthen the ability of vulnerable coastal communities to adapt to the growing impacts of climate change.

The training, held from September 10 to 15, 2026, brought together 21 masons, 21 carpenters and 11 plumbers from communities across Ada East, Ada West and Anloga.

The beneficiaries were drawn from Wokumagbe, Goi, Akplabanya and Azizanya in the Ada areas, as well as Agorkedzi/Atiteti, Dzita, Agbledomi, Whuti, Lashibi/Lagbati, Woe and Tegbi in Anloga.

The two-day intensive sessions equipped the artisans, particularly young people, with practical skills needed to design, construct and retrofit houses capable of withstanding climate-related hazards such as flooding, sea-level rise, extreme storms and rising temperatures.

Participants were trained in proper decking and raising of buildings to reduce flood risks, installation of Damp-Proof Membranes to prevent saltwater intrusion, appropriate sand-to-cement ratios, reinforced foundation casting and proper wall alignment.

They also received training in improved roofing techniques, quality timber works, installation of gutters for rainwater harvesting, the use of corrosion-resistant materials and construction safety measures.

The programme further introduced participants to durable concrete admixtures, including Xypex Admix C-5000, Addicrete DM2 and SikaLatex-141, to enhance the durability of structures exposed to saline environments.

Field demonstrations along the coast provided participants with hands-on experience in foundation casting under sandy and saline soil conditions.

The training was facilitated by certified engineers from the districts and LASJOE Consult, with participants receiving certificates upon completion.

A notable feature of the training was the participation of 22-year-old Regina Alobu, a plumber from Anloga and the only female artisan among the 53 trainees.

Ms. Alobu said the training had changed her understanding of plumbing materials and the effects of coastal conditions on construction.

She explained that customers previously returned to report damaged PVC pipes, but the training had taught her that salt and sandy soil could accelerate damage to such materials.

According to her, the artisans were advised to use stronger PPR pipes while working in coastal environments.

She also highlighted the importance of collaboration among the different trades, noting that the training had brought masons, carpenters and plumbers together to improve the quality of construction in their communities.

The organisers expect the initiative to create new livelihood opportunities for the trained artisans while strengthening the resilient housing value chain in vulnerable coastal communities.

Beyond employment opportunities, the programme is expected to contribute to the construction of safer and more durable homes capable of better withstanding the increasing climate pressures confronting Ghana's coastal communities.