Albert Derrick Fiatui, Executive Director of CIMAG.
The Centre for International Maritime Affairs, Ghana (CIMAG), has commended the government and President John Dramani Mahama for officially commencing Phase II of the Blekusu Sea Defence Project at Agavedzi and surrounding communities in the Ketu South Municipality of the Volta region.
CIMAG describes the project as a critical intervention in the fight against coastal erosion and tidal wave devastation that has plagued communities along Ghana’s eastern coastline for decades.
In a statement issued after the ceremonial sod-cutting at Agavedzi, Executive Director of CIMAG, Albert Derrick Fiatui, said: “We applaud this bold step. The commencement of the second phase of the Blekusu Sea Defence Project is not just about infrastructure, it is about protecting livelihoods, restoring dignity, and building resilience for coastal communities that have lived in fear of the sea’s wrath for far too long.”
A Necessary and Timely Intervention
The Blekusu Sea Defence Project Phase II covers approximately 8 km of coastal reinforcement from Agavedzi to Amutsinu, Salakope, and Adina. Phase I, completed in 2016, protected 4.3 km of coastline but left several communities still exposed to destruction from tidal waves.
CIMAG, a policy think tank dedicated to maritime affairs, has been vocal in its advocacy for stronger coastal protection policies.
The Centre maintains that while sea defence walls are necessary to protect vulnerable populations, long-term coastal management must include environmental sustainability.
Fiatui emphasised: “We urge contractors and policymakers to integrate biodiversity conservation into the project’s execution. Building sea walls is a response to an emergency, but we must also invest in nature-based solutions that complement hard infrastructure.”
The Human Cost of Inaction
For years, residents of Agavedzi, Salakope, and neighbouring towns have watched helplessly as the sea encroached on their homes, farms, and livelihoods. Recurrent tidal waves have forced many to rebuild their lives repeatedly.
Madam Esi, a fishmonger from Agavedzi, summed up the community’s relief: “The sea keeps coming. It washes away our homes, our nets, and sometimes our hope. But today, we feel seen, and we are thankful.”
Partnerships for Sustainable Coastal Protection
CIMAG has pledged to collaborate with government agencies, the Presidency, and other stakeholders by contributing research and expert advice toward lasting solutions. The organisation sees the project as part of a larger national conversation on climate resilience.
“The sea is Ghana’s biggest natural resource; it is a blessing, not a curse,” Fiatui added. “We must balance infrastructure development with environmental stewardship to sustainably harness our maritime potential.”
Beyond Blekusu: A National Imperative
President Mahama, who led the groundbreaking ceremony, announced that the project will be executed by Amandi Holdings Limited over four years, aiming for completion by 2029.
He reaffirmed plans to extend coastal protection efforts through the West Africa Coastal Areas (WACA) Programme all the way to Aflao. “Today we are beginning the process of reclaiming what the sea has taken. This is leadership in action,” Mahama told the gathering.
CIMAG’s Call to Action
CIMAG calls for continuous engagement with local communities, environmental experts, and government agencies to ensure that Ghana’s coastal protection projects are both effective and ecologically sound.
“We stand ready to support, collaborate, and share our expertise to secure a safer, sustainable coastline for Ghana and beyond,” said Fiatui.
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