Model Bye-laws for Coastal Management in Ghana: Experiences from Shama District, Western Region

These bye-laws have been generated through technical assessments and extensive consultations with stakeholders. The bye-laws incorporate policies for land management and emergency response as measures to support development permitting decision making and improve preparedness for flood emergencies. The Anankwar flood hazard prevention and mitigation bye-law aims to address the recurring flooding in the Anankwar floodplain, which has claimed lives and damaged property worth millions of cedis. Flooding occurs due to topography, soils, land cover, and land uses that prevent water absorption. The population and housing density in the Anankwar area is one of the highest in the Shama district, with over 7,500 housing units and structures built on the floodplain. The assessment of flood hazard reveals that large portions of the floodplain, majority of the resident human population, including the elderly and children, as well as livestock are vulnerable to flood risks. The bye-law sets policies for occupation, use, and development of flood hazard zones A, B, and C. It also establishes standards for new construction in floodplain hazard zone C and permitting procedures and requirements for uses and development in floodplain hazard zones. The bye-law also includes an emergency response plan and coordination mechanisms to ensure effective implementation. The Pra River Estuary and Wetland Conservation bye-law aims to conserve the Pra Estuary and wetland system, which is one of the most significant wetland ecosystems in the Shama district. The bye-law sets policies for conservation of the estuary and wetland system, including criteria and considerations for management. It also establishes a management plan, management committee, funding mechanisms, and advisory services and support. The Shama district shoreline management bye-law aims to manage the shoreline and prevent erosion. The bye-law sets policies for conservation, protection, and recreation use zone, mixed uses with fishing, high and low-density housing zone, waterfront industrial zone, and tourism and recreation zone. It also establishes zoning regulations for shorefront areas and sets standards for new construction. The bye-laws have been incorporated into the district's spatial development framework and structure plans to enhance their usefulness and catalyze implementation. They can be adapted and applied to address similar issues in other coastal districts of the country and are useful guidelines for the development of regional policies to address common coastal issues expressed across adjoining districts.