Works and Housing Minister gives Ghana Hydrological Authority 3 months to report progress on key challenges

The Minister for Works, Housing and Water Resources, Ahmed Ibrahim, has directed the Ghana Hydrological Authority (GHA) to submit a comprehensive report on its operational challenges, with progress on key issues expected to be assessed within three months.

The directive covers staff attrition, recruitment, approval of conditions of service, outstanding regulations and the operationalisation of the Authority’s statutory fund.

It was issued during a working visit to the Authority, where Mr Ibrahim expressed concern that the challenges could persist without clear follow-up and accountability.

A report by the GHA highlights several challenges affecting the agency, including severe staff shortages. The Authority has an established workforce of about 230 positions but currently has only 89 staff members.

Mr Ibrahim warned that continued staff departures could result in the loss of institutional knowledge built up by experienced hydrological specialists.

The Ministry also wants the report to outline progress on the regulations needed to implement the law establishing the Authority, as well as the proposed statutory fund and staff conditions of service.

The Minister said he had asked the Authority’s Chief Executive Officer to update the institution’s presentations to include all outstanding concerns and submit them for consideration.

The directive comes as the Ministry engages agencies under its supervision to assess their operational challenges and identify measures to improve performance.

Mr Ibrahim said the Ministry would work with the relevant institutions to address the issues, including engaging the Ministry of Finance on financial clearance for additional recruitment.

The Ghana Hydrological Authority provides services including flood forecasting, early warning systems, desilting and coastal protection.