Japan and UNESCO Sign Agreement to Enhance Resilience Against Water-Related Disasters in Ghana
In a significant step towards bolstering climate resilience, H.E. Hiroshi Yoshimoto, the Japanese Ambassador to Ghana, and Mr. Edmond Moukala Ngouemo, the UNESCO Representative to Ghana, signed a cooperation agreement for “The Project for Strengthening Resilience on Water-Related Disasters Under Climate Change for a Sustainable Society in Ghana” at the Japanese Embassy in Accra.
The ceremony was attended by key figures including Dr. Bernadette Araba Adjei, Director of Legal Affairs at the Water Resources Commission, and Mr. Apollonius Osei-Akoto Asare, Acting Secretary-General of the Ghana Commission for UNESCO.
This initiative, supported by a generous grant of $750,000 from the Government of Japan, aims to enhance community preparedness in areas vulnerable to natural hazards and climate change, particularly along the Volta River downstream in Ghana.
Ambassador Yoshimoto emphasized Japan’s commitment to disaster risk reduction, stating, “In Japan, we have successfully implemented early warning systems and infrastructure improvements to mitigate these risks. Guided by our official development assistance principle of ‘Leave No One Behind,’ we are dedicated to ensuring that developing countries like Ghana receive vital support to strengthen their resilience against climate-related disasters.”
Highlighting Japan’s experience in disaster prevention and recovery, Yoshimoto noted that the project will introduce advanced knowledge and techniques to Ghana, drawing on lessons learned from Japan’s own post-disaster recovery efforts.
Mr. Edmond Moukala Ngouemo expressed gratitude for Japan’s contribution, stating, “We thank the Japanese Government for this generous support. We will ensure the successful implementation and viability of the project through its integration within UNESCO’s agenda for the region.” He further added that by leveraging UNESCO’s scientific leadership in disaster risk reduction, the project will improve the lives and well-being of communities along the Volta River.
The project aims to establish a collaborative platform among stakeholders, including national authorities, research institutions, agricultural and civil engineering professionals, emergency services, and international organizations focused on natural hazard risk reduction.
Natural disasters pose a significant challenge to sustainable development in West Africa, where many countries face recurrent flooding and increasing socio-economic impacts. A recent evaluation highlighted a rise in both the magnitude and frequency of floods in the region. In Ghana, the Akosombo Dam spillage in 2023 displaced approximately 35,857 individuals, underscoring the urgent need for effective disaster management strategies.
This partnership between Japan and UNESCO represents a proactive approach to addressing the pressing challenges posed by climate change and natural disasters, ensuring a safer and more resilient future for communities in Ghana.
By: Frank Owusu Obimpeh
