Communities along the coastline in Accra are facing severe challenges from coastal erosion driven by rising sea levels, which are steadily encroaching on residential areas and traditional fishing zones.
Longtime fisherman Michael Soja, a resident of the La coastal community, described the changes he has witnessed over decades. “I have been fishing here for more than 30 years. I was born here and went to school in this community. I have seen firsthand how rising tides and rougher seas are making it harder to go out to fish. Our homes are gradually being destroyed by sea erosion,” he said.
According to UNESCO, Ghana is losing about 2 meters of its coastline every year. Experts attribute the accelerated erosion to rising sea levels linked to global warming and human activities.
Beyond economic impacts on fishermen, the erosion is also eroding cultural heritage. Residents report that two community shrines have already been swallowed by the sea, leaving only one still standing. Community elder Isaac Nunoo expressed deep concern over the repeated displacement of the shrine. “This shrine has been moved further away from the shoreline three times. We move it each time the sea draws closer inland. But how long can we continue doing this?” he said.
The low elevation of Ghana’s coastline makes the area particularly vulnerable to even modest increases in sea level, experts note.
Residents frequently experience flooding of their homes during high tides. Many are calling for the construction of sea defenses to safeguard their properties and livelihoods. While the government has initiated sea defense projects in some areas, construction has not yet extended to this community.
Locals remain hopeful that protective measures will be implemented promptly to prevent further loss of their fishing-based livelihoods and important cultural sites to the advancing tides.
