Morphological Classification and Protection of The Central Coastline: Implications for Coastal Erosion Management in Ghana
Abstract
Ishmael Yaw Dadson1,Kofi Adu-Boahen1andBenjaminKofi Nyarko
The study sought to classify the coastline between Cape Coast and Sekondi and to evaluate the measures put in place to manage and control sea erosion. It involved field observation and community interactions. Satelliteand photographic images were used to present the datawith the help of Geographic Information System (GIS).It was observed that the central coastline is made of alternating sandy and rocky characteristics.The rocks around Cape Coast were mainly metamorphosedschist, originating from igneous and metamorphicoutcrops. Those from Komenda to Sekondi were mostly Sekondi sandstone. In all, it can be said that about 40-45% of the coastline under study that is, between Ekon and Sekondi, is rocky and mainly made up of granite and sandstone. It was also revealed that both hard and soft structures have been used as sea defense mechanisms to manage and protect the shoreline. There is both governmental and community initiativesto ameliorate the dangers of coastal erosion. The paper therefore recommendsthat human activities that aggravate the natural causes of sea erosion should be stopped. Moreover, any attempt to control sea erosion should be done based on the nature of the coastline and also with the involvement of the local communitiesto ensure commitment and community ownership.
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