Mr Albert Fiatui, the Executive Director of the Center for International Maritime Affairs Ghana (CIMAG), has issued a dire warning that the Keta coastline in the Volta Region could vanish within the next two years if immediate action is not taken.
Mr. Fiatui emphasized the alarming rate of coastal erosion in Keta, which is receding at a rate of 2.2 meters per year—much faster than the average recession rate of 0.6 meters in other parts of Africa.
“This rate of erosion is unprecedented and deeply concerning,” Mr Fiatui remarked.
“Five years is too long. At this pace, if urgent measures are not implemented, we could lose significant portions of our coastal resources in the next two years.”
Mr. Fiatui criticized the government’s response to the crisis, describing it as insufficient and overly reactive.
He noted that while the construction of sea defence walls may provide a temporary fix, it is not a sustainable solution in the long term.
“Building sea walls is essentially a battle against nature—a battle we are likely to lose.
We need to think beyond short-term fixes and focus on long-term, sustainable solutions,” he stated.
He advocated for nature-based solutions, such as the strategic planting of trees, particularly mangoes, which can help stabilize the coastline.
“Planting and preserving trees might not sound like a bold solution, but it is one of the most effective ways to protect the coast.
It’s a natural defense that works in harmony with the environment,” Mr. Fiatui explained.
He also urged the government to explore innovative technologies that have been successful in other countries.
He cited the ReShore technology from Taiwan, which not only reduces wave energy but also generates renewable energy from tidal forces.
“We should be learning from countries that have successfully protected their coastlines with modern technologies.
There’s no need to reinvent the wheel—we just need to be proactive in applying these solutions here in Ghana,” Mr. Fiatui emphasized.
He lamented the government’s lackadaisical approach to adopting proven technologies from other countries to protect the coast, urging a more proactive stance.
In conclusion, Mr. Fiatui stressed the urgency of immediate and collective action to address the situation.
“We have to learn from other countries that have succeeded in protecting their coastlines. Time is of the essence,” he urged
Source:classfmonline.com