Work is progressing steadily on the GH¢919 million second phase of the Blekusu Sea Defence Project in the Volta Region, which aims to reclaim land and protect coastal communities in the Ketu South Municipality from severe sea erosion.
The project, being executed by Amandi Holdings, spans eight kilometres from Blekusu to Adina and will feature 37 groynes constructed perpendicular to the shoreline to trap sand, create a buffer zone, and safeguard roads, houses, schools, power lines, and other infrastructure. Amandi is prefinancing the project, which began in July 2025 and is scheduled for completion in July 2028.
These details came to light during a working visit by Parliament’s Select Committee on Works and Housing to the project sites and nearby coastal communities, including Agavedzi, Adina, Amutinu, and Sallakope, to assess progress and challenges.
Background
The ongoing second phase follows the successful completion of the first phase in 2018, which began in 2015. However, the follow-up phase stalled after a change in government, leaving several communities exposed to worsening tidal destruction.
During the committee’s visit, members witnessed widespread devastation from sea erosion, including the demolition of classroom blocks at the Amutinu-Sallakope M/A Basic School, whose remaining structures were described by authorities as “a death trap.”
Contractor Assures Timely Completion
The Project Director of Amandi Holdings, Ehud Deri, expressed confidence that the project would be completed on schedule. He explained that the completed works would create a wide sand buffer to shield the coastline from further damage.
“If reclamation measures had been implemented earlier, many structures could have been saved,” he said, adding that the company was determined to deliver quality work within the agreed timeframe.
Committee Commends Progress, Urges Timely Payment
The Chairman of the Committee, Vincent Oppong Asamoah, commended the government for restarting the project after years of delay.
“So far, this is the first major project the Ministry of Works and Housing has undertaken under the current administration, which shows the importance the government attaches to these communities,” he said.
He also encouraged Amandi to consider rebuilding some of the affected schools as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts.
Call for Investment and Livelihood Support
Mr. Asamoah further highlighted the investment potential of the coastline, urging both local and foreign investors to explore opportunities in the area.
“With its serene environment and proximity to Accra, these shorelines have great potential for tourism and real estate development,” he noted. He also suggested relocation and alternative livelihood support for affected residents, in collaboration with traditional leaders.
Prioritise Contractor Payments
On behalf of the Ranking Member, committee member, Alexander Agyare urged the government to prioritise payments to contractors to avoid delays.
“If you look at the speed the contractors are working, it is quite impressive, and the government should focus on payments to save lives and property,” he said.
The committee expressed satisfaction with the pace of work and pledged continued oversight to ensure the project’s successful and timely completion.
