Ghana Hydrological Authority, UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology sign MOU to tackle flooding

Ghana Hydrological Authority, UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology sign MOU to tackle flooding

Jul 12, 2024

The Ghana Hydrological Authority (HYDRO) and the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to improve flood control by addressing hydrological challenges in Ghana.

At the signing ceremony, the CEO of the Ghana Hydrological Authority, Dr John Kissi, highlighted the importance of this collaboration for the nation’s efforts to manage water resources and mitigate the impact of flooding and drought.

“Today marks the beginning of a significant and transformative partnership,” Dr Kissi announced. “This MoU symbolizes our shared commitment to enhancing hydrological services in Ghana through collaborative efforts and mutual expertise.”

The partnership will focus on several key areas to bolster Ghana’s hydrological capabilities:

  1. Catchment Monitoring and Observation Systems: HYDRO and UKCEH will jointly develop and enhance systems for monitoring and observing catchment areas. This aims to improve data collection and analysis, providing a more accurate understanding of water resources and hydrological patterns.
  2. Flood and Drought Modelling: The collaboration will leverage advanced modelling techniques to predict and manage the impact of floods and droughts. By enhancing preparedness and risk reduction strategies, the partnership aims to mitigate the devastating effects of these natural disasters on communities across Ghana.
  3. Climate Resilience and Adaptation: The MoU includes a focus on strategies to increase climate resilience and adaptation. This initiative will help Ghana better cope with the effect of climate change, ensuring sustainable water resource management in the face of shifting environmental conditions.
  4. Capacity Building and Information Sharing: The partnership will facilitate the joint organization of workshops, seminars, and regional and international conferences. These events will promote information sharing and capacity building, fostering a robust exchange of knowledge and expertise between the two institutions.
  5. Funding Opportunities: HYDRO and UKCEH will collaborate on applications for national and international funding opportunities in relevant areas. This collaborative approach aims to secure the necessary resources to support innovative projects and initiatives.
  6. Policy and Decision-Making: The partnership will identify opportunities to transfer scientific evidence into practical applications, improving policy and decision-making processes in both Ghana and the UK.

Dr Kissi emphasized the mutual benefits of this collaboration, noting that it will significantly enhance the Ghana Hydrological Authority’s technical expertise and institutional capacity. “For the Ghana Hydrological Authority, the collaboration will enhance our technical expertise, strengthen our institutional capacity, and provide access to cutting-edge research and innovative solutions,” he said.

For the UKCEH, the partnership offers the chance to apply their research in a practical context, gain insights from diverse environments, and contribute to global water resource management and climate adaptation efforts.

“We are enthusiastic about the opportunities this collaboration will bring,” Dr. Kissi stated. “It is a testament to our dedication to advancing hydrological science and practice in Ghana. We are confident that this partnership will yield significant benefits for our country and pave the way for sustainable water resource management.”

Credit: MyJoyOnline

Kojo Oppong Nkrumah launches Hydro Fund to mitigate flood risks

Kojo Oppong Nkrumah launches Hydro Fund to mitigate flood risks

Jul 4, 2024

Ghana has taken a significant step towards addressing its perennial housing and flooding challenges with the opening of the Built Environment National Conference on Housing and Hydrology (BENCHH) 2024.

The three-day event, currently underway at the Labadi Beach Hotel in Accra, was formally opened by the Minister for Works and Housing, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, who also launched the Ghana Hydrological Fund, a crucial initiative aimed at mitigating flood risks and improving water management across the nation.

Addressing a diverse assembly of government officials, industry experts and development partners, Minister Oppong Nkrumah emphasized the critical need for sustainable funding to tackle Ghana’s flooding problems, effectively announcing a GHS 1.5 million in seed funding.

“Government, through the Ministry of Works and Housing, has prioritized an allocation of GHC1.5 million as seed money for the fund,” he announced, calling upon all stakeholders, including development partners to contribute towards the success of the fund, highlighting its role in expediting essential projects such as drainage construction and dredging.

The Minister underscored the severity of Ghana’s flooding problem, particularly during the rainy season, exacerbated by inadequate drainage infrastructure and the escalating impact of climate change.

He revealed that only 2% of drainage channels in the Greater Accra Region, requiring concrete lining, have been addressed, reflecting the urgent need for comprehensive action.

This, he said, the fund aims to provide a structured financial mechanism to expedite necessary projects like drainage construction and dredging help address the country’s flooding problems head-on.

Beyond flooding, Minister Oppong Nkrumah addressed Ghana’s housing deficit, currently standing at 1.8 million units. He acknowledged challenges in affordable housing programs due to funding limitations and project delays, exacerbated by unfinished projects from previous administrations.

The Minister advocated for robust public-private partnerships, offering incentives to private developers to undertake large-scale affordable housing projects.

During the three-day BENCHH 2024 conference, discussions will include regulatory reforms and the establishment of a Works Inspectorate Unit to ensure adherence to building and safety standards.

The Ministry aims to present comprehensive reports on government initiatives, achievements, and challenges, seeking input from stakeholders on innovative approaches.

Minister Oppong Nkrumah expressed confidence in the outcomes of BENCHH 2024, highlighting the potential of collaborative efforts to drive tangible progress in Ghana’s built environment sector.

He urged participants to actively engage in discussions and contribute their expertise towards crafting actionable strategies that address the nation’s housing and hydrology challenges comprehensively.

Source: The Chronicle