Original Research

The vulnerable state of the Ghana coast: The case of Faana-Bortianor

Martin Oteng-Ababio, Kwadwo Owusu, Kwasi Appeaning Addo
Jàmbá: Journal of Disaster Risk Studies | Vol 3, No 2 | a40 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/jamba.v3i2.40 | © 2011 Martin Oteng-Ababio, Kwadwo Owusu, Kwasi Appeaning Addo | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 25 April 2011 | Published: 25 April 2011

About the author(s)

Martin Oteng-Ababio, Department of Geography and Resource Development University of Ghana, Ghana
Kwadwo Owusu, Department of Geography and Resource Development University of Ghana, Ghana
Kwasi Appeaning Addo, Department of Oceanography and Fisheries University of Ghana

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Abstract

Coastal communities worldwide are becoming increasingly vulnerable to a wide range of potential hazards including shoreline erosion and coastal resource degradation. The problem is exacerbated due to rapid urbanization and the concomitant anthropogenic beach changes which influence coastal processes. The lack of basic services and disaster warning as well as response mechanisms makes the situation daunting. Using mainly qualitative methods, which include two Focus Group Discussions and 17 in-depth interviews, the authors explore the perception of respondents in regard to coastal erosion and how to mitigate the observed condition. Thee research incorporates both physical and social science knowledge. Our key finding is that although the Faana coastline is eroding at a signi%cantly high rate, residents are resolved to maintain their occupancy for as long as they have the opportunity to practise their trade. The authors argue that proactive measures can be taken to reduce vulnerability and provide the enabling conditions for communities to absorb and bounce back from disruptions in basic services and economic activities.

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