The Executive Director of the Center for International Maritime Affairs, Ghana (CIMAG), Albert Derrick Fiatui, has called on government to adopt re-shore technology as a key strategy to combat coastal erosion.
According to him, this approach is necessary to reduce tidal wave energy while maintaining the integrity of the coastal ecosystem.
Speaking on the current affairs programme, Eye on Port, Mr Fiatui expressed serious concern over the escalating threats facing Ghana’s coastline due to erosion and destruction by tidal waves.
He stressed that immediate and decisive action is needed to protect vulnerable communities, lives and property along the coast.
“Ghana’s coastline is under serious threat and if we don’t act now, we risk losing more communities,” he warned.
Reflecting on a pan-Hellenic tour held in 2023 to engage coastal communities, Mr. Fiatui noted that several areas have already been washed away, with some communities no longer visible on the map due to the relentless encroachment of the sea.
He described the situation as alarming, noting that entire settlements, once bustling with activity, are now submerged.
One of the key issues exacerbating coastal erosion, according to Mr Fiatui, is the destruction of mangroves. Local communities, unaware of the protective role of these plants, cut them for firewood, unknowingly exacerbating the effects of tidal waves.
He stressed that educating these communities on the importance of mangrove conservation is critical to combating the issue.
In response to the growing threat, Mr Fiatui referred to the West African Coastal Areas (WACA) initiative, which has secured funding for the implementation of projects in West African countries, including Ghana. The initiative, he explained, will focus on restoration efforts and coastal afforestation, particularly the planting of mangrove trees and coconuts, which provide vital protection for the coastal ecosystem.
“We must encourage the planting of mangrove trees and coconuts to protect our coastline. Mangroves, especially, have proven to be one of the most effective ways to mitigate the destruction of tidal waves,” he said, adding that local people should be compensated for planting and maintaining these trees to discourage further deforestation. .
In addition to reforestation efforts, Mr. Fiatui advocated the use of re-shore technology, which has been successfully implemented in countries such as Taiwan. This green technology helps to attenuate wave energy, reclaim sand from the sea and, most importantly, causes no harm to the coastal environment.
“This is a proven solution that does not interfere with the natural coastal environment. It’s time to learn from other countries that have managed to protect their coasts through sustainable technology,” said Mr Fiatui.
He further stressed the need for legislation to curb destructive activities such as sand dredging, which is contributing to the rapid degradation of Ghana’s coastal areas.
According to him, an integrated approach that integrates community involvement, education and technology is the only way to stop and reverse the damage.
“Sand winnowing is one of the most destructive challenges facing our coast and legislation is urgently needed to stop it. We need to involve communities in this endeavour, not just by educating them but also by providing alternative livelihoods to prevent them from engaging in harmful practices,” he added.
Mr Fiatui reiterated the importance of swift action, stressing that Ghana’s coastline is a valuable asset for tourism, the blue economy and the livelihoods of countless people. Failure to act, he warned, could lead to more communities and land being lost to the sea.
“We must treat this issue with the urgency it deserves. Our coastline is a national treasure and we must protect it for future generations,” he concluded.
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