By Ebi Kesiena
Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Hydrological Authority Dr. John Kissi, has revealed that the country requires $5 billion to effectively address its persistent flooding challenges.
This substantial figure comes from an in-depth analysis of the severity and impact of flooding incidents across the country.
Dr. Kissi made this disclosure while addressing the Parliamentary Assurance Committee on Wednesday in response to a question from the committee’s chairman, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, regarding the financial needs for a comprehensive flood prevention and management plan.
He explained that the $5 billion is necessary to address flood risks across all regions, cities, and towns in Ghana.
“In 2023, under the National Flood Control Programme, we received approximately 92 million cedis to undertake flood mitigation efforts nationwide,” he said.
He noted that this funding is vastly inadequate compared to the actual needs.
“Considering the flood risk challenges across the country, we estimate that we need around $5 billion to comprehensively tackle the issue,” Dr. Kissi stated.
He further elaborated that the funds would be allocated to a range of critical initiatives, including the construction of drainage systems, flood walls, and embankments, as well as improving early warning systems and strengthening flood response mechanisms.
Furthermore, he stressed that without this level of funding, Ghana would continue to face severe disruptions and damages due to flooding, which impact lives, infrastructure, and the economy.
Heritage Times HT notes that the demand for such substantial resources reflects the increasing frequency and intensity of flooding incidents, worsened by climate change, rapid urbanization, and inadequate infrastructure.
Dr. Kissi however urged lawmakers and government officials to prioritize flood prevention and management in national planning, warning that the consequences of inaction would be costly for the country’s future development.
