Ghana’s coastline is undergoing rapid transformation due to coastal erosion, significantly impacting local communities, ecosystems, and key industries such as tourism and fishing. The relentless encroachment of the sea is displacing entire communities, degrading natural habitats, and threatening economic stability. To address these pressing challenges, researchers are leveraging advanced satellite data and geospatial tools to monitor shoreline shifts, offering new hope for sustainable solutions.

A Research Initiative to Tackle Erosion

Leading the charge in this critical area is Dr. Patrick Nii Lante Lamptey, a lecturer at the Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development. On behalf of the Ghana Science and Technology Institute (GSSTI), he spearheads a pioneering research initiative aimed at assessing the feasibility of using Digital Earth Africa’s Coastline Monitoring Service. The primary focus is to track and mitigate erosion at two of Ghana’s most vulnerable coastal areas—Keta Lagoon and Cape Coast.

The Real Cost of Erosion

Coastal erosion is not just an environmental issue; it is a socioeconomic crisis with far-reaching consequences. Ghana’s eastern and central coasts have been particularly affected, with the destruction of homes, loss of agricultural land, and threats to food security.

Fishing communities are among the hardest hit. The silting of the Keta Lagoon and the destruction of mangrove ecosystems have disrupted traditional fishing practices, leading to declining fish stocks and economic hardship. Crop farming, another crucial livelihood in coastal areas, is also suffering due to land degradation and saltwater intrusion.

Cape Coast, a historic and cultural tourism hub, is facing severe threats from receding shorelines and tidal waves. These natural forces are eroding beaches, damaging tourism infrastructure, and diminishing the appeal of the region’s famous attractions.

The environmental toll is equally alarming. Coastal erosion is accelerating habitat loss and biodiversity destruction, making ecosystems more vulnerable to climate change. Additionally, the intrusion of seawater into groundwater sources has triggered serious public health concerns, affecting sanitation, hygiene, and access to clean drinking water.

“These effects bear a very real cost for vulnerable communities living along the coastline and around the Keta Lagoon,” Dr. Lamptey explains. “People are forced to make stark choices between relocation and displacement, against potential health problems, dwindling livelihoods, and incessant food insecurity.”

Harnessing Digital Earth Africa’s Technology for Coastal Monitoring

The large-scale nature of coastal erosion necessitates robust monitoring tools. Digital Earth Africa’s platform, which utilizes Open Data Cube technology, provides high-performance computing and historical-to-near-current satellite data, allowing researchers like Dr. Lamptey to analyze shoreline changes with remarkable precision.

By mapping the coastline over time, researchers can identify erosion hotspots, evaluate the effectiveness of sea defense mechanisms, and develop early-warning systems to mitigate future risks.

"Our tools offer unparalleled capabilities for processing and visualising large volumes of satellite imagery,” says Dr Lisa-Maria Rebelo, Acting Managing Director and Lead Scientist at Digital Earth Africa. “This analysis-ready data enables researchers to focus on actionable insights rather than spending extensive time on data handling. We also foster local capacity by equipping institutions and researchers with the knowledge and resources to use this technology, promoting resilience and proactive management of coastal ecosystems."

Building Critical Tools for Government and Policy Makers

The research is yielding crucial insights into the dynamics of coastal erosion, with wide-ranging applications for government agencies, policymakers, and conservation groups. A major outcome is the development of a near real-time coastal erosion monitoring system, which will be a vital resource for agencies such as:

  • The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) – to enhance disaster preparedness and response.
  • The Fisheries Commission – to protect marine resources and support affected fishing communities.
  • The Ministries of Environment and Housing – to integrate findings into national policies for sustainable coastal management.

Additionally, this research supports Ghana’s Integrated Coastal Zone Management Policy and Marine Spatial Plan, ensuring that future development aligns with climate resilience strategies.

Beyond government institutions, local NGOs engaged in mangrove restoration and marine conservation stand to benefit significantly. Access to accurate satellite data enables them to implement targeted interventions, restore degraded ecosystems, and strengthen conservation efforts.

"This collaboration highlights the power of earth observation data to safeguard lives and build environmental resilience," added Dr. Rebelo.

Empowering Decision-Makers with Early Warnings

One of the most impactful outcomes of this research will be the development of a dedicated shoreline monitoring application, designed to provide early warnings about erosion threats. This tool will equip decision-makers with real-time data, allowing for timely interventions to protect communities and infrastructure.

“For me, as a researcher, Digital Earth Africa’s tools have fundamentally shifted how we can monitor and study coastal erosion in Ghana—making our work more efficient and cost-effective,” says Dr. Lamptey. “As Ghana continues to combat coastal erosion, satellite technology and geospatial analysis will play a crucial role in safeguarding both livelihoods and the environment.”

A Future of Resilient Coastlines

Dr. Lamptey’s work, powered by Digital Earth Africa’s cutting-edge tools, represents a groundbreaking step toward a more sustainable and resilient future for Ghana’s coastlines. By embracing satellite technology and data-driven decision-making, Ghana is not only addressing the immediate threats of coastal erosion but also laying the foundation for long-term environmental stewardship and economic stability.

As efforts continue, the hope is that these innovative approaches will serve as a model for other coastal nations facing similar challenges, ensuring that communities and ecosystems remain protected for generations to come.

Figure 1 Map showing erosion and accretion hotspots

Figure 3 Sea defence along the coast of Keta

Figure 2 Map showing historical shoreline and Lagoon banks