Shoreline Change Analysis of the Eastern Coast of Ghana between 1991 and 2020

The Eastern Coastline of Ghana is facing intense natural and anthropogenic disturbances, which pose a serious threat to the coastal community, ecosystem, and livelihoods. This study assessed the shoreline changes occurring along the Eastern Coast of Ghana stretching 149 km from Laloi Lagoon West of Prampram to Aflao, Ghana. The study utilizes satellite images from Landsat 4TM, Landsat 7 ETM+, and Landsat 8 OLI taken between 1991 and 2020. Data pre-processing techniques using ENVI 5.3 included calibration, layer stacking, mosaicking, and supervised classification. Post-classification shorelines were extracted using ArcGIS 10.7, and the DSAS tool was used to determine the rate of change over the 29-year period. The results showed that the coastline experienced an average erosion rate of 9 m/y and a maximum rate of 24 m/y, however, the accretion rate (3 m/y) was much lower, reflecting general coastline retreat. Thus, some 25 coastal communities are highly exposed to shoreline erosion. Sustaining the coastal area may require coastline re-engineering interventions. This study recommends continuous monitoring of the shorelines to ensure the protection of livelihoods. Implementation of both hard engineering and ecosystem-based adaptation strategies may be required to achieve holistic results toward sustainable coastal management

A STUDY OF RESIDENTS PERCEPTION TOWARDS MAIN WATER SOURCES ALONG THE VOLTA RIVER- THE CASE OF SOUTH TONGU DISTRICT

The present study is an investigation of use of water, water sources, and relationship with location of residents in the South Tongu district, Ghana. The study used quantitative approach and used survey method for data collection. Based on the sampling approach administered in the three communities along the Volta River namely Fievie, Sogakofe and Tordzikpota, The study generated a usable sample of 160 respondents. The reliability of the measure was tested with internal method of Cronbach alpha and we found satisfactory result. the result shows that along the three communities, river water was used as the main source. The key reasons for using the water source included river being the only source and its proximity to the residence. In terms of perception regarding quality of water, the respondents show that the communities we surveyed mostly considered water clean based on its physical appearance and taste. Overall, result shows that in the communities we surveyed, there is a lack of awareness and knowledge regarding the quality of water and its improvement methods thus exposing the community to the water borne diseases. Keywords: Water, Diseases, Clean, Volta River, Community, Ghana