In a bid to enhance hydrological services and climate resilience, the Ghana Hydrological Authority (GHA) and the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The signing ceremony, held at the GHA headquarters, marked the beginning of a transformative partnership aimed at improving water resource management and climate adaptation in Ghana.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. John Kissi, CEO of the GHA, emphasized the importance of this collaboration. “Today marks the beginning of a significant and transformative partnership,” he stated. “This MoU symbolizes our shared commitment to enhancing hydrological services in Ghana through collaborative efforts and mutual expertise. The UKCEH is renowned for its excellence in hydrological research and practice, and we are honored to join forces with such an institution.”
The MoU outlines several critical areas of focus for the joint initiatives. These include the development and enhancement of catchment monitoring and observation systems, advanced flood and drought modeling, strategies for increasing climate resilience and adaptation, and the organization of workshops, seminars, and conferences to facilitate information sharing and capacity building.
“Together, we will develop and enhance systems for monitoring and observing catchment areas, ensuring better data collection and analysis,” Dr. Kissi explained. “We will collaborate on advanced modeling techniques to predict and manage the impacts of floods and droughts, thereby reducing risks and enhancing preparedness.”
The partnership will also involve joint applications for national and international funding opportunities and the identification of opportunities to maximize the transfer of scientific evidence to improve policy and decision-making in both countries.
Dr. Kissi highlighted the mutual benefits of the collaboration, stating, “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. For the UKCEH, this partnership offers the opportunity to apply their research in a practical context, gain insights from working in diverse environments, and contribute to global water resource management and climate adaptation efforts.”
The UKCEH has a long-standing reputation for excellence in hydrological research, making them a valuable partner for Ghana. This collaboration is expected to yield significant benefits for both parties and pave the way for sustainable water resource management in Ghana.
Dr. Kissi expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “We are enthusiastic about the opportunities this collaboration will bring. 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.”
This partnership is a promising step forward for Ghana in its efforts to manage its water resources effectively and build resilience against the impacts of climate change. As the collaboration between the GHA and UKCEH progresses, it is expected to set a benchmark for international cooperation in hydrological research and climate adaptation.
