Ghana has hosted the Second Regional Steering Committee Meeting of the West Africa Coastal Areas (WACA) Programme on Wednesday in Accra.
The event was to find measures to address urgent coastal challenges.
Delivering the keynote address, the Chief Director for the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI), Dr Patrick Nomo, noted that coastal erosion is affecting the West African subregion at an alarming rate and demands urgent attention.
According to him, reports indicate that coastal erosion in Ghana ranges from two to five meters annually, with some areas experiencing losses of up to 17 meters per year.
He noted that the degradation, exacerbated by climate change, threatens the physical landscape and the socio-economic stability of coastal communities.
“Every year, an average of 500,000 people in Africa are impacted by coastal erosion, flooding and pollution. In Ghana, the economic toll from flooding alone is projected to reach $160 million annually,” he said.
Dr Nomo enumerated specific projects in Ghana, including investment in coastal erosion control, pollution management and ecosystem restoration efforts in key areas such as the Korle Lagoon, Densu Delta and Keta Lagoon Complex.
“These initiatives are designed to not only protect the coastline but also to empower local communities through job creation and sustainable livelihood opportunities. The success of this programme will be a testament to our collective commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable development,” he stated.
For her part, Manon Pascale Cassara, an Environmental Specialist at the World Bank and the Task Team Leader of WACA, Ghana urged members of the regional steering committee to strengthen the collaborative spirit across national and regional levels.
She stated that the WACA programme has expanded since its commencement and has welcomed additional countries such as Uganda, Ghana and Guinea-Bissau.
“It also further mobilised resources with financial partners. In total, the programme mobilised nearly $500 million as of today. This expansion also comes with greater demands in terms of coordination, communication and mobilisation, leading regional integration to other levels. We congratulate all the WACA partners for their efforts in this direction,” she added.
The WACA Programme aims to tackle these pressing issues by promoting integrated coastal zone management. Its multifaceted approach seeks to enhance the resilience of vulnerable communities through technical assistance, financial support and collaborative governance.
The programme brought together regional leaders, environmental experts and stakeholders to discuss strategies for sustainable development and ecological resilience along the West African coast.
Irene Wirekoaa Osei, ISD
