ActionAid Ghana and Partners Validate Baseline Study to Strengthen Climate Resilience in Coastal Communities

ActionAid Ghana, in collaboration with key government institutions, development partners, and community representatives, has held a Baseline Study Validation Workshop for the Improved Resilience of Coastal Communities in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana Project. The workshop, held on March 12, 2026, at the Tomreik Hotel in Accra, brought together stakeholders to review and validate critical baseline findings that will guide the implementation of the project in Ghana.

The project, funded by the Adaptation Fund and coordinated by UN-Habitat, seeks to strengthen the resilience of coastal communities facing increasing climate-related risks such as flooding, coastal erosion, and the loss of livelihoods. In Ghana, ActionAid Ghana serves as the sub-implementing partner to Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) under Component 2 of the project.

In his welcome address, ActionAid Ghana’s Country Director, John Nkaw, emphasized the urgency of coordinated and evidence-driven interventions to address the growing climate vulnerabilities facing coastal communities. 

“Across Ghana’s coastline, communities are increasingly confronted with the harsh realities of rising sea levels, flooding, coastal erosion, and the loss of livelihoods. These climate-induced shocks threaten food security, local economies, and the dignity and safety of vulnerable households,” he stated.

The project is being implemented in 11 communities across three districts in the Volta and Greater Accra Regions. These include Azizanya-Kewonor in Ada East; Wokumagbe, Akplagbanya, and Goi in Ada West; and Whuti, Agbledomi, Tebgi, Woe, Lashibi/Lagbati, Dzita, and Agorkedzi/Atiteti in the Anloga District.

John Nkaw reiterated that the baseline study represents a critical pre-intervention assessment that establishes the “before-project” status of the communities in relation to the project’s key performance indicators (KPIs). 

The study provides an evidence-based understanding of prevailing socio-economic and environmental conditions, as well as a reassessment of key risks and assumptions that could influence project outcomes. “The baseline provides us with a clear benchmark against which we will measure progress, impact, and accountability throughout the life cycle of the project,” he explained.

The validation workshop created a platform for stakeholders to collectively review the findings, contribute insights, and ensure that the data accurately reflects the lived realities of the communities. The findings will also inform potential refinements to project targets and implementation strategies to ensure the interventions remain responsive and impactful.

Delivering remarks on behalf of Habitat for Humanity International, Mathabo Makuta, Senior Director for Programs in Africa and Acting Vice President for HFHI-Africa, highlighted the key focus areas under Component 2 of the project, which is being implemented by HFHI in Côte d’Ivoire and ActionAid Ghana. The component focuses on three key outputs: Early Warning Systems (EWS), Nature-based Solutions (NbS), and Alternative Livelihoods.

Under the project’s planned interventions in Ghana:

• - Early Warning Systems will be established across all 11 communities to improve preparedness for climate-related hazards.
• - Nature-based Solutions will include the construction of drainage channels and micro-infiltration cells in nine communities, bio-retention basins in five communities, and the restoration of approximately 411 hectares of mangroves across all 11 communities.
• - Alternative livelihood interventions will support resilient agriculture in six communities, strengthen climate-resilient housing, and promote blue carbon initiatives across all target communities.

Makuta also underscored the importance of stakeholder engagement in strengthening the project’s evidence base and ensuring successful implementation. 

During the workshop, stakeholders also discussed environmental concerns affecting coastal ecosystems. In a question-and-answer session, Makuta drew attention to the increasing harvesting of mangroves by local communities, noting the need for sustainable management and restoration efforts as part of broader climate resilience strategies.

For ActionAid Ghana, the validation process reflects its commitment to community-led development, climate justice, and inclusive decision-making. As a climate and gender justice organization, ActionAid Ghana emphasized that sustainable resilience can only be achieved when local voices, traditional leaders, women, and community actors are actively involved in shaping solutions.

The workshop concluded with a call for continued collaboration among government institutions, development partners, civil society, and community stakeholders to ensure that the project delivers lasting impact for coastal populations in Ghana.

Through the Improved Resilience of Coastal Communities Project, partners UN-Habitat, the University of Twente, and the Ministry of Environment, Science, and Technology aim to strengthen adaptive capacity, protect livelihoods, and empower vulnerable communities to withstand the growing impacts of climate change along Ghana's coastline.

Written by Jacqueline Parditey.