COASTAL PROTECTION
UNIT

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Overview

The Coastal Unit of the Ghana Hydrological Authority (HYDRO) is responsible for the management, protection, and sustainable development of Ghana’s coastline. Ghana’s coast stretches approximately 550 km from Aflao in the east to Half Assini in the west, supporting key economic activities, coastal communities, tourism, fisheries, and vital infrastructure. However, the coastline faces increasing threats from coastal erosion, storm surges, tidal flooding, and sea-level rise, largely driven by climate change and human activities. The Coastal Unit addresses these challenges through coastal engineering, scientific research, and integrated coastal zone management approaches.

The Unit conducts shoreline monitoring, coastal process assessments, and hydrodynamic studies to understand changes along the coast and inform appropriate interventions. Using these insights, the Unit designs and implements both hard and soft coastal protection measures. Hard engineering solutions include revetments, groynes, and seawalls, while soft engineering approaches involve beach nourishment, dune stabilization, and ecosystem-based solutions aimed at restoring natural coastal processes and improving long-term resilience. In addition, the Unit provides technical advisory services to government institutions, local authorities, and development partners on coastal infrastructure and shoreline management. Through these efforts, the Coastal Unit plays a vital role in protecting coastal communities, safeguarding infrastructure, and strengthening the resilience of Ghana’s coastal environment for future generations.

Roles And Functions

The following functions further support the effective management and protection of Ghana’s coastline:

  • Planning and design of coastal protection infrastructure such as sea defence structures, revetments, groynes, and breakwaters.
  • Development and implementation of coastal protection policies, standards, procedures, and operational guidelines.
  • Supervision and monitoring of the construction and maintenance of coastal protection works.
  • Enforcement and monitoring of coastal protection regulations and management practices.
  • Provision of technical advisory and consultancy services on coastal protection and shoreline management to public and private sector institutions.
  • Investigation and resolution of complaints and petitions related to coastal protection works and coastal management activities.
  • Preparation and review of engineering designs, specifications, and technical documents for coastal protection projects.
  • Collaboration with government institutions, local authorities, and other stakeholders on coastal protection initiatives and programmes.
  • Data collection, research, and analysis to support coastal engineering, shoreline monitoring, and policy development.
  • Mobilization of resources and support for coastal protection programmes and projects.

    • These functions support the Authority’s mandate to protect Ghana’s coastline and promote sustainable coastal development.

    Key Responsibilities

    Coastal Protection Planning

    Development of coastal management strategies, shoreline protection plans, and coastal resilience programmes to safeguard coastal communities and infrastructure.

    Engineering Design and Coastal Infrastructure

    Preparation of engineering designs, plans, specifications, and technical documentation for coastal protection structures and related infrastructure.

    Construction Supervision and Infrastructure Management

    Supervision and monitoring of coastal protection works to ensure compliance with engineering standards, safety regulations, and environmental requirements.

    Coastal Monitoring and Data Collection

    Collection and analysis of coastal data to support shoreline monitoring, coastal engineering studies, and informed decision-making.

    Compliance and Regulation Enforcement

    Implementation and enforcement of coastal protection policies, regulations, standards, and best management practices.

    Technical Support and Consultancy Services

    Provision of technical expertise and advisory services to public and private sector projects related to coastal protection and coastal engineering.

    Stakeholder Collaboration

    Collaboration with Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), government agencies, research institutions, and international partners in coastal protection initiatives.

    Programme Management and Reporting

    Preparation of annual work plans, budgets, and periodic reports to support effective planning, monitoring, and evaluation of coastal protection programmes.

    Resource Mobilization and Capacity Development

    Development of strategies to mobilize resources and strengthen institutional capacity for the effective implementation of coastal protection projects.