Togo’s coastal communities, particularly Aneho and surrounding areas, have emerged as benchmarks in coastal resilience and economic growth under the transformative West Africa Coastal Areas (WACA) Resilience Project.

This groundbreaking initiative has revitalized the region through innovative coastal protection and developmental projects. Recognizing this success, Ghana embarked on a tour led by the Coastal Civil Society Organizations Forum (CCF) to draw valuable lessons. The visit aimed to provide insights into the WACA project’s first phase in Togo and Benin, equipping Ghana to excel in Phase Two, which it joined in 2023.

This report highlights the achievements of Togo’s WACA project, its socio-economic impacts, and Ghana’s plans to emulate and improve upon these successes. High-level engagements and field assessments during the study tour showcase how Togo tackled challenges and leveraged opportunities, serving as a model for Ghana’s upcoming implementation phase.

Aneho, one of Togo’s most vulnerable coastal towns, faced severe erosion and flooding that threatened livelihoods and infrastructure. Through WACA’s Phase One, Aneho benefited from:

Coastal Protection Infrastructure: Construction of sea walls and breakwaters mitigated the impact of tidal waves, reducing erosion significantly.

Economic Boost: Restored coastlines led to revitalized tourism, increased fishing activities, and improved transportation networks.

Community Engagement: The WACA project prioritized social inclusiveness, ensuring gender equity and active participation of local communities in decision-making.

Dr Adou Rahim Alimi Assimiou, Coordinator of WACA Togo, emphasized the importance of strategic planning and multi-stakeholder collaboration.

Nadjari Loukoumane, Social and Gender Safeguard Specialist highlighted efforts to integrate women and marginalized groups into economic activities.

Eusebio Adewole Cesar, Coastal Civil Engineer, explained the engineering marvels stabilizing Togo’s coastline, protecting livelihoods and infrastructure.

Insights for Ghana

During the study tour, Noble Wadz, Coordinator of the Coastal CSOs Forum, reiterated Ghana’s commitment to learning from Togo’s experiences. “We are here to understand the practical successes and challenges these countries faced during WACA Phase One. This will enable us to adopt strategies suitable for our unique coastal context,” he stated.

Engagement with Institutional Leaders: Meetings with Togo’s project coordinators and government officials provided a blueprint for effective governance.

Observations of coastal infrastructure projects in Aneho and other towns showcased the tangible impacts of WACA.

Community Dialogues: Interaction with residents revealed how social safeguards promoted inclusivity and economic empowerment.

The WACA project’s success in Togo extends beyond coastal protection. Revitalized fisheries and agriculture have bolstered food security, while restored beaches attract tourists, significantly contributing to the local economy. Additionally, environmental sustainability measures, such as mangrove restoration, have enhanced biodiversity and climate resilience.

The insights gathered from Togo and Benin will inform Ghana’s approach to Phase Two of the WACA Resilience Project. Key priorities include:

Tailored Coastal Protection Solutions: Adapting Togo’s engineering methods to suit Ghana’s unique coastal challenges.

Community-Centered Development: Ensuring that women and youth are integral to the economic benefits of coastal restoration.

Strengthened Collaboration: Partnering with regional stakeholders and leveraging lessons learned to maximize impact.

Togo’s achievements under the WACA project demonstrate the transformative power of well-implemented coastal resilience initiatives.

Ghana’s study tour marks a pivotal step toward adopting and surpassing these successes. With the Coastal CSOs Forum and government collaboration, Ghana is poised to leverage these lessons to protect its coastlines, empower its people, and drive economic growth.