The Ghana Institute of Geoscientists (GhIG) has launched a nationwide campaign dubbed “Geoscience for a Safer Ghana Initiative”, calling for science-driven interventions to address the country’s recurring floods and landslides following recent devastating disasters that claimed lives, displaced families and destroyed property.
Announcing the initiative in a press release, the professional body expressed condolences to victims of the recent flash floods and landslides, while commending emergency responders for their efforts. It stressed that beyond sympathy, Ghana must adopt evidence-based measures to reduce the impact of future disasters.
As part of its immediate response, the Institute outlined three urgent recommendations for government and disaster management authorities. It urged the government to commission rapid geohazard mapping in the worst-affected districts using existing satellite imagery and remote sensing technology to identify high-risk areas and guide emergency shelter and resettlement planning.
The Institute also called on Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies to suspend the issuance of development permits in known flood-prone areas and geologically unstable slopes until comprehensive geoscientific assessments are conducted. Additionally, it recommended that the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) integrate professional geoscientists into its ongoing field assessment teams to ensure geological expertise informs damage assessments and recovery efforts.
GhIG said the measures would help shift Ghana’s disaster response from reactive interventions to a proactive, science-based approach while laying the foundation for long-term reforms, including the development of a National Geological Hazard and Flood Risk Atlas.
The Institute noted that throughout July 2026, it would mobilise its members to provide scientific insights into the underlying causes of Ghana’s perennial flooding and landslide disasters and contribute evidence-based perspectives to national discussions on disaster risk reduction.
As part of the initiative, GhIG will roll out a series of public education activities, including a national media campaign featuring expert articles on the role of hydrology, geology and soil science in flood prevention. It will also deploy a specialised team of geoscientists to conduct field assessments in mudslide-affected communities to study landslide patterns and ground conditions with the aim of improving protection for vulnerable settlements.
In addition, the Institute will host a public technical webinar on July 29 to explain the scientific causes of flooding and landslides and present practical, data-driven solutions to policymakers, stakeholders and the general public.
According to GhIG, the initiative seeks to elevate the national conversation beyond assigning blame by demonstrating how geoscience can strengthen disaster preparedness, land-use planning and infrastructure development.
“Our objective this July is to channel our professional grief into a constructive contribution to national safety. Understanding the earth is the first step toward living safely upon it,” the Institute stated, reaffirming its commitment to supporting efforts to build a safer and more climate-resilient Ghana.
NR News Newsdesk
