The government of Ghana has inaugurated the Built Environment National Conference on Housing and Hydrology (BENCHH) 2024 to address persistent flooding and housing issues.

The three-day event, held at the Labadi Beach Hotel, was opened by the Minister for Works and Housing, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah on July 2, 2024.

At the opening ceremony, Minister Oppong Nkrumah announced the launch of the Ghana Hydrological Fund, an initiative aimed at mitigating flood risks and enhancing water management across the country.

He revealed that the government has allocated GH¢1.5 million as seed funding for the fund.

"The government, through the Ministry of Works and Housing, has prioritized an allocation of 1.5 million Ghana Cedis as seed money for the fund," he stated.

Addressing an assembly of government officials, industry experts, and development partners, Minister Oppong Nkrumah emphasized the need for sustainable funding to effectively address Ghana’s flooding issues.

He urged all stakeholders, including development partners, to contribute to the fund's success, stressing its importance in accelerating vital projects such as drainage construction and dredging.

Highlighting the severity of Ghana's flooding problem, particularly during the rainy season, the Minister noted that inadequate drainage infrastructure and the growing impacts of climate change have exacerbated the situation.

He disclosed that only 2% of the drainage channels in the Greater Accra Region that require concrete lining have been completed, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive action.

Minister Oppong Nkrumah also discussed Ghana's housing deficit, which currently stands at 1.8 million units.

He acknowledged the challenges faced by affordable housing programs, including funding limitations and project delays, often worsened by unfinished projects from previous administrations.

To tackle this, he advocated for strong public-private partnerships and incentives for private developers to undertake large-scale affordable housing projects.

Throughout the BENCHH 2024 conference, participants will engage in discussions on regulatory reforms and the establishment of a Works Inspectorate Unit to ensure adherence to building and safety standards.

AM/MA

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