We are pleased to report on the recent commitment made by the Ghanaian government to expedite the completion of the country's sea defence projects. This decision follows a comprehensive two-day tour conducted by the Minister for Works and Housing, Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah.
Many of these vital projects, which were initiated in 2018, are now nearing completion. However, progress has been impeded due to financial constraints. This setback has not only hindered the advancement of these projects but has also deprived the communities set to benefit from them of their intended use.
During his tour of the project sites, Minister Oppong-Nkrumah announced that the President has directed the prioritization of payments to contractors. This directive aims to facilitate the swift completion of the projects.
The Minister commenced his tour with a courtesy call on key traditional leaders, including the Anomabo Paramount Chief, Nana Kantamanto Amonu XI, the Omanhen of the Oguaa Traditional Area, Osabariba Kwesi Atta II, and Komenda Paramount Chief, Nana Kojo Kru. These leaders oversee the areas where the Anomabo, Cape Coast, and Komenda Sea Defence projects are being implemented.
The inspection encompassed the Anomabo, Cape Coast, and New Takoradi Emergency Sea Defence Project (Phase III) at Elmina. This particular project involves the construction of armour rock revetment with granular filter layers, armour rock groynes, and land reclamation with lateritic backfilling aimed at safeguarding a 5,000-meter coastal stretch. Minister Oppong-Nkrumah expressed satisfaction with the progress made by the contractors and emphasized the potential of these projects to protect lives and properties within the communities.
Engagement with local communities emerged as a pivotal aspect of the Minister’s directive to contractors. Minister Oppong-Nkrumah stressed the importance of soliciting input from locals to tailor engineering solutions effectively, thereby enhancing the resilience of coastal infrastructure.
In Takoradi, he inspected the Shama, Aboadze, Axim, and Dixcove sea defence projects. The urgency of sea defence was particularly evident in areas such as Aboadze and Upper Dixcove. The Minister emphasized the need to protect key government installations and local communities from the threat posed by tidal waves.
The implementation of the Coastal Protection Project is aimed at safeguarding beaches and their environs against encroachment by the sea, mitigating environmental deterioration, and alleviating the negative social and economic consequences of beach erosion.
Minister Oppong-Nkrumah assured traditional leaders and local communities of the government's commitment to ensuring the protection of all coastal communities. He reiterated the government's dedication to providing necessary funds to support the execution of projects in communities requiring urgent protective infrastructure.
The Chiefs and their people expressed gratitude to the Minister for his visit and advocated for further developmental projects in their respective communities.
This commitment by the government to prioritize and fast-track the completion of Ghana’s sea defence projects is a significant step towards ensuring the safety and well-being of coastal communities. We look forward to witnessing the positive impact of these essential initiatives on the lives and livelihoods of those residing in these vulnerable areas.
The Minister was accompanied by officials from the Ministry, signifying a collaborative effort towards achieving these crucial objectives.
-By Tetteh Belinda | Mydailyreports24
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