The coastal system of the Volta delta, Ghana
Strategies and opportunities for development
Lambertus W.M. Roest (TU Delft - Coastal Engineering, TU Delft - Rivers, Ports, Waterways and Dredging Engineering)
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Abstract
The Volta delta is a very dynamic environment, forming the interface between the Volta river and the Atlantic ocean. The delta is a home for many communities, settled both at the shorelines and more inland. Furthermore the delta provides great natural values and a habitat for many species.
The coastline of the Volta delta suffers from erosion, threatening these communities and natural habitats. Furthermore the delta largely consists of low-lying lands which are prone to flooding. The large scale geology and morphology of the delta are explored and the natural forcing of the coastal system is determined in terms of waves, currents and human impact.
Lastly flood protection and mitigation strategies are explored for the area. It must be noted that in ultimo hard protection measures will not provide a definitive solution. Maintenance is key in any kind of coastal protection strategy. Hard structures are very costly to construct and maintain, although nourishments may not be suitable in every location. More dynamic solutions and retreating from the most hazardous locations would be a better and more sustainable way forward.
This report is written for the Delft Deltas Infrastructure and Mobility Initiative (DIMI) Volta delta special case. In extension on the workshop in the Volta delta, early October 2017, a literature review is produced to bundle the existing knowledge of the coastal system of the Volta delta and to process this knowledge in practical handles for design.