Ghana is adopting nature-based solutions (NbS) to address escalating coastal erosion, aiming to protect critical infrastructure, tourism assets, and community livelihoods through ecosystem restoration. The Water Resources Commission announced the strategy during a two-day national dialogue on coastal protection held in Accra, in collaboration with the Ghana Hydrological Authority and Dutch Water Authorities.
The approach focuses on restoring and protecting natural ecosystems including mangroves, sand dunes, and wetlands to provide sustainable shoreline stability while generating social and economic benefits. The dialogue brought together policymakers, researchers, and local stakeholders to explore practical pathways for scaling up these nature-based interventions along the coastline.
Professor Kwasi Appeaning Addo of the University of Ghana’s Department of Marine and Fisheries Sciences, who chaired the event, emphasized the need to shift away from heavy reliance on traditional concrete sea defense walls. He explained that while hard engineering structures may offer temporary relief, they’re expensive, can disrupt coastal ecosystems, and often transfer erosion problems to neighboring communities.
Prof. Addo cited the Keta Sea Defence Project as a cautionary example. Erosion intensified in surrounding areas after the project’s completion, requiring additional intervention. By contrast, restoring mangroves and managing natural sediment flow can help rebuild coastal resilience, revive biodiversity, and create new income opportunities through fisheries and eco-tourism, he noted.
Ghana’s coastal zone supports fishing, tourism, agriculture, power generation, and port operations, making it central to national development. However, rising sea levels and increasing erosion threaten up to 25 percent of coastal infrastructure, while thousands of residents face potential displacement annually.
Prof. Addo stressed that investing in nature-based solutions aligns with Ghana’s broader participation in the blue economy, which promotes sustainable use of ocean resources for economic advancement and ecological preservation. “Nature-based interventions can stimulate local economies by preserving fisheries, protecting farmlands, and attracting eco-investments. This is how we turn environmental protection into economic opportunity,” he said.
He added that the initiative fits within President Mahama’s Blue Economy vision for inclusive and sustainable coastal development. The vision seeks to harness ocean resources while maintaining environmental integrity and creating opportunities for coastal communities.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister for Works, Housing, and Water Resources, Madam Naa Kwarle Quartey of the Architectural and Engineering Services Limited (AESL) emphasized the need for strong collaboration across government, research institutions, coastal communities, and the private sector. Nearly five million people live along Ghana’s coast, which hosts vital fishing and tourism industries as well as power and energy infrastructure, making coastal protection both an environmental and economic necessity.
Madam Quartey noted that adopting nature-based methods could open access to green financing and international climate adaptation funds, as global investors increasingly prioritize resilience-focused projects. She encouraged development partners to work closely with local authorities to scale up mangrove replanting, wetland restoration, and dune reinforcement initiatives.
Dialogue participants agreed that prioritizing nature-based solutions would shift Ghana from short-term fixes to long-term resilience and community empowerment. They highlighted how healthy ecosystems function not only as natural coastal barriers but also support agriculture, aquaculture, and tourism development.
Prof. Addo concluded by urging Ghana to view environmental protection as an investment in national stability and future prosperity rather than a financial burden. The dialogue represents a significant step toward integrating sustainable coastal management practices into national development planning.
