The Minister of Works and Housing, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, has inaugurated four sea defence projects in the Central Region.
He also cut sod for work to commence on the phase II of both the Anomabo and Cape Coast coastal protection project at separate ceremonies on Tuesday.
The phase II Anomabo coastal protection project involved 3.4 kilometres covering areas such Egyaa number three (Anomabo) and Abandze in the Mfantseman municipality.
It is expected to be completed within eight months.
The Cape Coast phase II project, involves a five- kilometre stretch that would address the challenge of sea erosion that was devastating some communities in Cape Coast and its environs.
It also involves the construction of breakwater to support fishing activities among fishermen in Cape Coast.
The implementation of the phase II projects followed complaints from the communities of the impact of phase I, which resulted in the areas being ravaged by tidal waves.
It is expected to be completed in 48 months.
Mr Nkrumah at separate events, expressed the determination of the government towards protecting the country’s shoreline from the ravaging effect of the sea.
He said the government would work towards the construction of coastal protection project in order to protect lives and property in fishing communities.
The minister also noted that about 97 per cent of work on the fisheries college had been done, adding that the essence was to study modern and innovative fishing method towards the advance of the fisheries sector.
He then called on the residents to collaborate with the contractors towards the early completion of the project and that there would be public engagement to ensure the success of the project.
The Central Regional Minister, Mrs Justina Marigold Assan, in a speech read for her, outlined that the project was part of the government’s commitment to safeguarding the lives and properties of coastal communities.
She said the project would ensure safer environment and improve the economic progress of communities.
The project, she said, demonstrated the support of government, traditional authorities and local communities in ensuring the safety of their towns.
In an address, the Member of Parliament for Mfantseman, Ophelia Mensah Hayford, expressed appreciation to the people for their support and patience, leading to the commencement of the project
She also appealed to the electorates to support the Vice President.
The government, she said, was committed to the development of the fisheries sector.
Furthermore, she called on all to ensure peace during this year’s Presidential and parliamentary elections.
At Ekon community in Cape Coast, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidate for Cape Coast South, Ernest Arthur,
in his remarks, commended the government for the various interventions aimed at improving living condition of Ghanaians.
He noted that, the sea protection project with the Ekon community, demonstrate the determination of government towards protecting lives and property in the area.
In his remarks, the Paramount Chief of Edina Traditional Area, Nana Kwadso Conduah VI, commended the government for the various interventions in the region.
The completed project saw the protection of houses and key historical monument from the sea erosion.
The sea defence wall at Komenda also saw the construction of a fish market and a cold store facility alongside the project.
It also witnessed the construction of a bridge to link Komenda and Dutch Komenda Township.
In Cape Coast, the project also supported efforts at protecting the Cape Coast Castle
FROM DAVID O. YARBOITETTEH,
KOMENDA