The Ghana Hydrological Authority (GHA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD), Texas.
The MoU focuses on collaboration in information sharing regarding flood risk reduction solutions and flood resiliency and mitigation strategies.
The signing of the MoU followed an official visit to Houston by officials of the Ministry of Works and Housing and the Ghana Hydrological Authority (Hydro) to among others, share ideas on flood risk management strategies in the Harris County and Ghana.
The delegation, led by the Minister for Works and Housing, and Member of Parliament for Bantama, Francis Asenso-Boakye also paid a courtesy call on the Mayor of Houston, Sylvester Turner, at the City Hall and met officials of the Harris County Housing Authority to discuss their model of affordable housing provision among others.
In a brief statement during the signing ceremony, Mr. Asenso-Boakye lauded the Harris County Flood Control District for blazing the trail in delivering nature-based solutions to flood and housing-related problems, saying: “Your approach and technology will be of great assistance to the Ministry and the Ghana Hydrological Authority in our efforts to tackle the perennial flooding challenge in Ghana”.
Executive Director of the Harris County Flood Control District, Dr. Tina Petersen, who signed on behalf of the District, also expressed her delight at the opportunity and noted that, “I have no doubt this marks the beginning of an exciting journey of collaboration and learning for our respective institutions”.
Ag. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Hydrological Authority, Dr. John Kissi, who signed on behalf of the Authority also on his part intimated that “Ghana’s capital city, Accra, and the Harris County, share common flood risk challenges and welcomed the opportunity to collaborate with the HCFCD in the exchange of knowledge related to flood resilience and nature-based solutions.”
By Nii Adjei Mensahfio