May 25, 2023
The Minister for Works and Housing, Hon. Francis Asenso-Boakye has expressed the urgent need for a fundamental change in the country’s approach in addressing hydrological challenges in the country. The establishment of the Ghana Hydrological Authority, the sector Minister indicated, would go a long way to enhance existing hydrology, and provide the essential technical leadership required to tackle drainage and sustain flood management services.
Government is currently initiating the necessary processes for the establishment of the Ghana Hydrological Authority. The Ghana Hydrological Authority Bill, 2021 is to establish the Ghana Hydrological Authority (GHA) as the state institution responsible for the planning, design, execution, operation, and maintenance of flood control mechanisms, coastal engineering works, drainage improvement works, operational and applied hydrology in the country.
In his presentation to move the motion for the second reading for the establishment of the Ghana Hydrological Authority today, Hon. Asenso-Boakye indicated that the challenges associated with the delivery of hydrological services have made it difficult for institutions that depend on hydrology-related information for construction, irrigation, agriculture and maritime purposes to take full advantage of the department’s services.
The sector Minister believes the creation of a well-resourced and highly professional Ghana Hydrological Authority will not only attract and retain highly skilled staff but also ensure effective and well-coordinated development of drainage and flood management infrastructure in the country.
“The Authority will also be in the position to engage with Development Partners and explore sources of funding other than Government of Ghana to undertake flood mitigation projects across the country while enhancing the resilience of our communities and essential infrastructure”. The Minister added.
May 25, 2023
The government has started the necessary processes for the establishment of the Ghana Hydrological Authority.
A draft bill (the Ghana Hydrological Authority Bill, 2021) that would give legal backing to the Authority is currently before Parliament for consideration.
The bill contains the necessary framework to establish an institution responsible for the planning, design, execution, operation and maintenance of flood control mechanisms, coastal engineering works, drainage improvement works and applied hydrology in the country.
The Minister for Works and Housing, Francis Asenso-Boakye, who disclosed this on the floor of Parliament during the second reading of the bill, said it would provide the essential technical leadership required to tackle drainage and sustain flood management services.
“I believe the creation of a well-resourced and highly professional Ghana Hydrological Authority will not only attract and retain highly skilled staff but also ensure effective and well-coordinated development of drainage and flood management infrastructure in the country,” he said.
“The Authority will also be in the position to engage with Development Partners and explore sources of funding other than the Government of Ghana to undertake flood mitigation projects across the country while enhancing the resilience of our communities and essential infrastructure,” the Minister added.
He indicated that it would also provide the necessary fundamental change in the country’s approach to addressing hydrological challenges required to address flooding.
The Minister also said the government has spent GHC 2.85 million to address coastal erosion in the last five years.
Some of the coastal communities which have benefited from this funding are Axim, Amanful Kumah, New Takoradi, Komenda, Cape Coast and Anomabo.
Other communities the government has built sea defence walls to protect lives and properties are Dixcove, Dansoman and Ningo-Prampram.
He said the government considered the protection of the coastal communities critical and would continue to invest in sea defence projects to safeguard lives.
He assured that the government would secure the necessary funding to complete the second phase of the 8km Blekusu sea defence project to stop tidal waves in communities such as Solakokpe, Agavedzi and Amutini.
“The government will also continue the implementation of all ongoing projects and commence works at Apam, Axim Phase II, La, Teshie and other sea defence works,” he said.
Source: GhanaToday
Richard Aniagyei, ISD
May 25, 2023
The newly-inaugurated Board of the Ghana Hydrological Authority has been charged to develop a drainage master plan to help address perennial flooding facing the country.
According to the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Francis Asenso-Boakye, the master plan would guide the development and management of drainage systems to strengthen the country’s capacity to deal with flooding.
“With the implementation of the proposed drainage master plan, I am confident that we can mitigate the effects of flooding and make our communities safer to live in,” he added.
He was speaking in Accra yesterday during the inauguration of the 10-member Board of the Authority chaired by Kwasi Anim.
Source: Ghanaian Times
