The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Hydrological Authority, Dr. John Kissi, has raised alarm over the imminent threat posed by coastal erosion to five critical national installations essential to the country’s infrastructure and economy.

Updating the press yesterday, Dr. John Kissi revealed the vulnerabilities faced by these strategic sites, located along Ghana’s extensive 550-kilometer coastline.

Among the installations at immediate risk are the Aboadze Power Enclave, housing the Takoradi Thermal Power Station, and the Twin Energy Station, crucial to Ghana’s energy security. Also threatened are the Shama-Anlo beach shorelines, the Daukor Shorelines, the Ezinlibo Coastal Stretch, the Ningo-Prampram Shoreline and the Blekusu Coastline.

He emphasised that while the entire coastal stretch is susceptible to varying degrees of erosion, specific areas are now at heightened risk due to factors such as climate change, sea level rise and human activities like sand mining.

“The stability of our coastline is increasingly compromised, with approximately one-third considered fairly stable and low in vulnerability. However, even these areas face escalating risks over time,” he stated.

Dr. Kissi stressed that approximately 370 kilometers of Ghana’s coastline are currently vulnerable, and in need of immediate protective measures.

“Of this vulnerable stretch, only 80 kilometers have been safeguarded through our efforts in collaboration with the government. This leaves 290 kilometers exposed, where strategic national assets are perilously located,” he indicated.

In response to the growing crisis, the Minister of Works and Housing, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, recently visited the Ghana Hydrological Authority to assess its capabilities, and to discuss strategies for bolstering its efforts.

Mr Oppong Nkrumah stressed the importance of equipping the Authority with adequate resources to effectively manage flood-related challenges.

“We must enhance stakeholder engagement across governmental bodies, local communities, private sectors and international partners to tackle this pressing issue,” he emphasised.

He acknowledged the operational constraints faced by the Authority, and pledged the government’s commitment to addressing them, including staffing shortages and financial support.