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An official website of the National Disaster Management Organisation

Global and National Relevance

  • Global: Coastal erosion is a widespread climate-induced hazard threatening small island states and coastal nations worldwide.

  • National: In Ghana, coastal erosion is most severe along the Eastern and Central coasts, particularly in Keta, Ada, and Cape Coast, where entire settlements, roads, and farmlands have been lost.

Causes and Drivers

  • Natural factors: Strong wave action, sea level rise, storm surges, tidal currents.

  • Human activities: Sand mining, removal of mangroves, construction of ports and sea defense structures altering sediment flow.

  • Climate change: Intensifying rainfall and storms accelerate erosion.

Impacts in Ghana

  • Human settlements: Communities like Keta and Ada Foah have lost houses, schools, and churches to the sea.

  • Infrastructure: Roads, fishing landing sites, and sea defense projects are under threat.

  • Livelihoods: Fishing and salt mining communities face reduced productivity and displacement.

  • Environmental: Loss of wetlands, mangroves, and biodiversity hotspots.

Hotspot Locations

  • Keta and Anloga (Volta Region) – severe loss of land and displacement.

  • Ada Foah (Greater Accra Region) – destruction of settlements and farmland.

  • Cape Coast and Elmina (Central Region) – historical forts and coastal communities threatened.

  • Shama and Axim (Western Region) – fisheries and coastal villages at risk.

Current Situation & Interventions

  • Sea defense projects (Keta, Ada, Sakumono, and Dansoman) have slowed erosion in targeted areas but shifted the problem to nearby coastlines.

  • Resettlement efforts for displaced communities are ongoing but face challenges with livelihoods and cultural attachment to the coast.

  • Policy and Planning: The National Climate Change Policy and Coastal Development Plans emphasize integrated coastal zone management.

Public Safety and Preparedness

  • Awareness creation: Educate coastal residents on early warning signs and risks.

  • Regulation: Enforce bans on sand mining and illegal developments along the coast.

  • Adaptation: Encourage mangrove restoration and community-driven shoreline protection.

  • Emergency Preparedness: NADMO and local assemblies to prepare evacuation and relocation plans for high-risk communities.