CCF Team’s Learning Mission on West Africa Coastal Areas Management Project (WACA)

From November 25th to 30th, 2024, I (Akekodaga Vida Kabuga, CEO of FTGA) had the honour of representing Fill the Gap Africa as part of the Ghanaian delegation of the Civil Society Organizations Forum (CCF) Team on a five-day learning mission to Togo and Benin. This study tour was focused on the West Africa Coastal Areas Management Project (WACA), a vital regional initiative supported by the World Bank.

The goal of the mission was to explore firsthand the strategies and solutions implemented by our neighbours to address the pressing environmental and socio-economic challenges affecting coastal communities. From innovative coastal protection measures to community-driven adaptation and ecosystem restoration, the experiences in both countries offered valuable insights and lessons.

What we witnessed was both inspiring and humbling. The commitment of the local authorities, the coordination among stakeholders, and the resilience of the communities were striking. Most importantly, the success of the WACA initiatives in Togo and Benin underscores what is possible when policy, practice, and community voice come together.

As we return to Ghana, we carry with us a renewed sense of purpose — and the hope that similar strategies can be adapted and applied in our own coastal areas, to protect the lives and livelihoods of our brothers and sisters living on the frontlines of climate change.

We pray for the strength, wisdom, and unity to turn these lessons into action. When God leads the way, the journey becomes clearer — and the work, more impactful.

Together, let’s fill the gap, protect our coasts, and build a resilient future for all.

(Reporting by Fill the Gap Africa; Editing by Pascal Amoah)
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