Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Hydrological Authority, Dr. John Kissi has presented a stark reality to Parliament, stating that a staggering $5 billion investment is required to effectively combat the persistent flooding menace in Ghana. He emphasized that without this substantial financial commitment, numerous regions across the country will continue to suffer from devastating floods, resulting in loss of lives and destruction of properties.
The country has been grappling with severe and flash flooding, particularly during rainfall, highlighting the urgent need for a comprehensive solution to this recurring disaster. Dr. Kissi’s appeal underscores the critical importance of allocating sufficient funds to mitigate the impact of flooding and ensure the safety and well-being of Ghanaians.
During his appearance before the Assurances Committee of Parliament on Wednesday, August 28, Dr. John Kissi clarified that the proposed $5 billion investment would be strategically allocated towards implementing comprehensive flood risk management initiatives nationwide.
This holistic approach aims to minimize the devastating effects of flooding and protect vulnerable communities across all regions of Ghana. By directing funds towards proactive measures, the Ghana Hydrological Authority seeks to ensure the safety and resilience of communities, ultimately reducing the risk of flood-related disasters and their associated consequences.
Dr. John Kissi revealed that in 2023, the national flood control programme allocated approximately 92 million cedis for flood mitigation projects nationwide. However, he emphasized that this funding was grossly inadequate to effectively address the scale and severity of the flooding issues facing the country. The insufficient allocation hindered the implementation of comprehensive flood mitigation measures, leaving many communities vulnerable to the devastating impacts of flooding.