Real talk: The beautiful coasts of Keta and Ada — once calm holiday spots for our parents and grandparents — are now ground zero for rising sea levels and erosion. It’s not a future threat — it’s happening now, proven by real numbers and local stories.
The Rising Sea: A Look at the Numbers
Our coastline is shrinking fast. Here’s what the Ghana Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and World Bank data show for Keta, Ada, and nearby towns:
- Historic Loss: Over 8,000 hectares of Ghana’s coast have been lost to the sea since the 1960s. Communities like Keta and Ada face constant threat from erosion and flooding.
- More Frequent Floods: High tides and stronger storm surges wash away homes and farms every year. In 2023 alone, dozens of families in Keta lost property to coastal flooding.
- WACA ResIP 2 Funding: The West Africa Coastal Areas Resilience Investment Project (2021–2026) has committed over $210 million to strengthen sea defenses, drainage, and safer housing.
"Our ancestors lived by the sea in peace — today we are fighting to keep our homes from vanishing overnight."
- Local elder, Keta, at a 2024 climate meeting.
Mangroves: Nature’s Coastal Bodyguards
Not all hope is lost. Local communities and groups are fighting back with nature:
- Community Heroes: Green Growth Africa planted over 50,000 mangrove seedlings in Kedzi in 2024 alone.
- Powerful Shields: Mangroves help stop erosion, reduce flooding, and protect fish nurseries. They’re natural wave barriers for our coast.
- Local Pride: Volunteers, students, and elders team up every year to restore the coastline with green shields.
This Isn't a Vibe — It’s Survival
We don’t have time to look away. Rising seas and vanishing coasts are here. Protecting Keta and Ada means protecting our heritage, families, and the next generation’s home.
What Can We Do? The Time for Action is Now.
- Demand Local Transparency: Ask your local assembly for updates on how sea defense funds are spent.
- Support Mangrove Planting: Volunteer or donate to groups like Green Growth Africa to restore natural barriers.
- Push for Coastal Protection Laws: Call on leaders to enforce anti-sand mining rules and protect the shoreline for all.
2 Comments
Kofi Adams • Kedzi, VR
I grew up in Kedzi. My uncle lost his farmland to the sea years ago. Thank you for highlighting WACA’s support and the mangrove work — we need this to grow even bigger!
Ama Mensah • Accra, GR
The mangroves are our first line of defense. I volunteered last year and it felt great planting those seedlings. Everyone should try it once — it’s our coastline to protect!