Torgbui Sri III Calls for Urgent WACA Project Implementation to Combat Ghana Coastal Erosion Crisis

Discover how Torgbui Sri III’s plea at the 2025 Hogbetsotso Festival highlights the devastating effects of coastal erosion in Ghana and pushes for swift action on the World Bank-funded West Africa Coastal Areas (WACA) project.

Introduction

Coastal erosion in Ghana poses a severe threat to communities along the coastline, particularly in Anlo, Keta, and surrounding areas. Homes are being swallowed by the sea, families displaced, and livelihoods shattered. At the 2025 Hogbetsotso Festival, His Royal Majesty Torgbui Sri III, the Awoamefia of Anlo, made a passionate appeal to the Ghanaian government and the World Bank. He demanded immediate implementation of the $150 million West Africa Coastal Areas (WACA) project to safeguard lives and restore hope. This call underscores the urgency of addressing coastal erosion in Ghana, a crisis exacerbated by climate change and rising sea levels.

Background on the Crisis

The WACA project, approved by the World Bank nearly three years ago, aims to protect vulnerable coastal zones through erosion control, mangrove restoration, and sustainable livelihood programs. Despite commendations for securing the funding, Torgbui Sri III highlighted the frustrating delays, with only stakeholder meetings occurring while devastation continues.

Analysis

Examining Torgbui Sri III’s address reveals a multifaceted crisis rooted in environmental degradation and administrative slowdowns. Coastal erosion Ghana has intensified, turning villages like Fuveme, Agbledomi, Keta, and Dzita into zones of recurring displacement. Each rainy season brings flooded classrooms, vanishing fishing beaches, and forced relocations, transforming erosion from a natural process into a humanitarian emergency.

Human Impact of Coastal Devastation

Fishermen risk dangerous waters as landing sites disappear, children learn in inundated schools, and families rebuild only to lose homes again. Torgbui Sri III described it poignantly: “Each new tide takes away another house, another dream.” Resident Daavi Adzo from Blekusu echoed this, stating, “Every time we rebuild, the water comes again. We just need help. We cannot fight the sea alone.”

Project Delays and Stakeholder Roles

Nearly three years post-approval, the WACA project’s slow rollout—limited to meetings—has prolonged suffering. Torgbui Sri III praised the government’s funding efforts but criticized the pace, announcing his intent to visit Accra for direct talks with officials and World Bank representatives.

Summary

In summary, Torgbui Sri III’s plea at the 2025 Hogbetsotso Festival spotlights the dire Anlo coastal devastation. The $150 million WACA project remains stalled, contrasting sharply with progress in neighboring Togo and Benin. Urgent action is essential to prevent further loss of lives, homes, and cultural heritage along Ghana’s coast.

Key Points

Practical Advice

To mitigate coastal erosion in Ghana, communities and authorities can adopt proactive measures aligned with WACA goals. Here’s pedagogical guidance:

Community-Level Strategies

Residents in high-risk areas like Anlo should participate in mangrove planting initiatives, which naturally buffer shores. Fishermen can form cooperatives to advocate for beach nourishment projects. Families are advised to develop evacuation plans for rainy seasons and seek temporary inland shelters.

Government and NGO Actions

Authorities must prioritize WACA rollout by allocating resources for rock revetments and groynes. Partner with environmental experts for monitoring sea-level rise. NGOs can support livelihood diversification, training displaced fishers in aquaculture or eco-tourism.

Daily Preparedness Tips

Monitor tide forecasts via Ghana Meteorological Agency apps. Reinforce homes with sandbags during storms. Engage in local durbars, like Hogbetsotso, to amplify voices for policy change.

Points of Caution

While optimism surrounds the WACA project, several risks demand attention to ensure effective WACA project Ghana execution.

Implementation Pitfalls

Delays from bureaucracy could waste the $150 million investment. Lack of transparency might lead to mismanagement. Communities must watch for incomplete stakeholder consultations, ensuring local voices shape defenses.

Environmental and Social Risks

Hasty constructions risk unintended erosion elsewhere via the “groin effect.” Over-reliance on hard infrastructure neglects soft solutions like mangroves. Vulnerable groups—women, children, elderly—need prioritized support to avoid deepened inequalities.

Comparison

Torgbui Sri III contrasted Ghana’s lag with successes in Togo and Benin under the same WACA framework, offering valuable lessons.

WACA Progress in Neighboring Countries

Togo and Benin, facing similar coastal devastation, implemented WACA swiftly. Togo restored 1,200 hectares of mangroves and built protective dunes, stabilizing communities. Benin constructed sea walls and promoted resilient agriculture, reducing displacements by 40%. These nations held fewer meetings and more on-ground work, transforming vulnerable coasts into secure zones.

Ghana vs. Neighbors: Key Differences

Ghana can emulate by streamlining approvals and fostering cross-border learning.

Legal Implications

The WACA project intersects with Ghana’s environmental laws, though no direct legal violations stem from the delays reported. Under the Environmental Protection Agency Act (1994), coastal management falls under national mandates for erosion control. World Bank funding requires compliance with safeguard policies on environmental assessment and involuntary resettlement.

Accountability Frameworks

Government entities must adhere to the Coastal Zone Management Policy, mandating public consultations. Delays could invite judicial reviews if communities petition via administrative law. Transparency in fund use prevents corruption charges under the Public Procurement Act (2003). Torgbui Sri III’s advocacy aligns with rights to a healthy environment per Ghana’s Constitution (Article 24).

Conclusion

Torgbui Sri III’s urgent plea at the 2025 Hogbetsotso Festival resonates as a clarion call against Ghana coastal erosion. The WACA project’s potential to save lives and preserve Anlo’s heritage hinges on immediate, collaborative action. By transcending politics—”the sea does not know politics”—Ghana can mirror Togo and Benin’s triumphs, securing a resilient future for coastal communities. This is not merely about erosion; it’s about human survival and dignity.

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