The Minister for Works and Housing, Kenneth Gilbert Adje, has expressed outrage and dissatisfaction over the persistent dumping of waste into the sea, particularly in coastal communities where the ministry’s sea defence projects are underway.

He warned that the practice is causing serious harm to the environment, marine life, and public health, while also undermining the government’s ongoing investments in coastal protection infrastructure.

According to the minister, indiscriminate disposal of refuse into the ocean poses a major threat to the country’s ecosystem. He pointed to several pollution hotspots along the coastline where plastic waste, industrial effluent, and other hazardous materials are recklessly discharged into the sea.

Mr Adje made the remarks during a working visit to assess the progress of sea defence projects in the Central Region.

The projects, which are aimed at shielding coastal communities from erosion and tidal waves, are considered critical to safeguarding livelihoods and protecting essential infrastructure.

During the visit on Monday, 9, 2026, the minister toured project sites at Anomabo, Cape Coast, and Elmina. He expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work by contractors but urged them to speed up construction to bring timely relief to affected communities.

The interventions include the construction of breakwaters, sea walls, and drainage systems to reduce the effects of coastal erosion and flooding.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting coastal settlements, noting that steps are being taken to release funds to ensure the projects are completed on schedule.

“I’m satisfied by work done and call for community adherence in stopping the act of dumping refuse into the sea,” he said.

Dr Sylvester Darko, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Hydrological Authority, also raised concerns about sand winning in areas where the sea defence projects are ongoing, describing it as an issue that requires urgent attention.

“There are some individuals in these communities who come with trucks to extract sand along the construction site, which is affecting the project,” he bemoaned.