President Mahama Guarantees $150m for Fuveme Coastal Protection | Discuss Ghana

Standing amidst the debris of homes destroyed by recent surges, President John Dramani Mahama visited the tidal wave-hit community of Fuveme in the Volta Region today, Wednesday, April 29, 2026.

The President’s visit was aimed at providing both immediate relief and a definitive update on the long-delayed West Africa Coastal Areas Management Program (WACA). Amidst rumors that global funding for coastal projects was being diverted to manage the national energy crisis, the President offered a firm assurance to the residents of the Anloga District.

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The "Protected" $150 Million

The President addressed the anxiety regarding the World Bank-supported WACA project, which has been at the center of coastal defense discussions for years.

The Funding Guarantee: Mahama explicitly stated that the $150 million earmarked for the WACA initiative remains untouched. "We protected the $150 million meant for the WACA project. So your money is safe and the project is going to go on," he told the community leaders.

Repurposing Disclosure: In a moment of candor, he admitted that the administration has had to make tough fiscal choices. He confirmed that some other World Bank-financed projects—specifically those that had stalled due to the 2024 election cycle—have had their funds repurposed for other "important priorities," though he did not specify if this included the current Akosombo restoration.

Timeline for Work: He announced that feasibility studies are complete and the project is now in the design and procurement phase, promising that physical construction of sea defense walls and groynes will begin "in the near future."

Beyond Concrete: A "Hybrid" Defense

In addition to traditional engineering, the President outlined a shift toward ecosystem-based resilience:

Groynes and Walls: Hard infrastructure to break wave energy.

Nature-Based Solutions: Extensive planting of coconut trees and mangrove restoration in estuarine areas to create natural buffers.

Estuary Dredging: Immediate plans to dredge the Volta estuary to reduce water pressure and prevent further inland flooding.

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The Scene at Fuveme (April 29)

The President's tour, which included stops at Blekusu to inspect the Phase II sea defense project, highlighted the severity of the recent environmental impact:

Displacement: Hundreds of residents have been displaced over the last week as the sea breached sections of the coastline near the Volta River.

Relief Efforts: Accompanied by the Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu, and the NADMO Director-General, the President oversaw the distribution of emergency supplies to families currently living in temporary shelters.