Towards addressing the devastating impact of erosion to residents living along the coast, the Ghanaian Government has approved the sum of GH¢2.85 million to spur development of coastal protection and sea defence projects along the country’s coastal areas since which commenced since 2017.
Minister of Works and Housing, Francis Asenso-Boakye, revealed this while addressing the Parliament during the second reading of the Ghana Hydrological Authority Bill in Accra on Wednesday, June 15.
The minister explained that the protection of the coastlines was critical to the development of the country, adding that the Ghanian government was committed to exploring opportunities for investment for sea defence projects with a view to safeguarding lives and livelihoods of people living in coastal areas. Some 37% of Ghana’s coastal land was lost to erosion and flooding between 2005 and 2017.
“Government will also continue the implementation of all ongoing projects and commence works at Apam, Axim Phase II, La and Teshie and other sea defence works,” he stated, adding that GH¢450 million had already been committed into drainage and flood control works across the country.
According to the minister, the aim is to restructure the Hydrological Services Department (HSD) will into an independent authority, to reduce its dependence on the government by equipping them with necessary equipment and legal frameworks to operate smoothly.
