The Ghana Institute of Geoscientists (GhIG) has launched the “Geoscience for a Safer Ghana Initiative”, unveiling a series of immediate and long-term measures aimed at addressing the country’s recurring floods and landslides through science-driven solutions.
The initiative forms part of the Institute’s coordinated response to the devastating flash floods and mudslides that have affected several parts of Ghana, resulting in deaths, displacement, and widespread destruction of property.
In a statement signed by the General Secretary, Dr Cyril Dziedzorm Boateng, the Institute expressed sympathy to families who lost loved ones and communities displaced by the disaster, stressing that national recovery efforts must be backed by scientific evidence and proactive planning.
Also read: The best stretches you can do for your lower back
“True empathy must be accompanied by meaningful action,” the statement said.
Immediate actions
As part of its emergency response, the Ghana Institute of Geoscientists proposed three urgent interventions that it believes can be implemented immediately to reduce future flood risks.
1. Conduct Rapid Geohazard Mapping
The Institute urged the government to commission a rapid geohazard mapping exercise in the worst-affected districts using existing satellite imagery and remote sensing technology.
According to GhIG, the exercise would identify high-risk flood and landslide zones and support emergency shelter planning and resettlement decisions.
2. Suspend Development in Flood-Prone Areas
GhIG also called on all Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to suspend the issuance of building and development permits in known floodplains and geologically unstable areas until proper geoscientific assessments have been completed.
The Institute said the measure would help prevent further loss of lives and property.
3. Integrate geoscientists into NADMO teams
The Institute further appealed to the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) to formally include professional geoscientists in its ongoing field assessment teams.
GhIG believes geological expertise will improve damage assessments and strengthen disaster response planning.
National Geological Hazard Atlas proposed
Beyond the immediate response, GhIG said Ghana requires long-term structural reforms to strengthen disaster preparedness.
The Institute announced plans to support the development of a National Geological Hazard and Flood Risk Atlas, which would provide scientific data to guide infrastructure development, land-use planning and disaster risk reduction nationwide.
Four major activities under the initiative
Throughout July 2026, GhIG says it will undertake four major activities under the Geoscience for a Safer Ghana Initiative to educate the public and support national policy discussions.
National Media Education Campaign
The Institute will publish expert articles in major newspapers explaining how disciplines such as geology, hydrology and soil science can help prevent floods and landslides.
Mudslide field assessments
A team of geoscientists will conduct field investigations in mudslide-affected communities to analyse landslide patterns, slope stability and ground conditions.
The findings are expected to help identify vulnerable communities and recommend mitigation measures.
Public technical webinar
GhIG will host a free public webinar on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. GMT via Microsoft Teams.
The virtual event will explain the science behind Ghana’s flooding and landslide challenges while presenting evidence-based recommendations for reducing disaster risks.
Public engagement
The Institute has invited the public, media organisations, civil society groups and government agencies to actively participate in discussions throughout the campaign.
Updates on field assessments and webinar registration details will be shared through GhIG’s official social media platforms.
GhIG emphasised that addressing Ghana’s perennial flooding requires moving beyond reactive responses towards science-based planning and policy implementation.
The Institute maintained that understanding geological and environmental processes is critical to protecting lives, safeguarding infrastructure and building climate-resilient communities.
“Understanding the earth is the first step toward living safely upon it,” the Institute stated.
It reaffirmed its commitment to supporting government and other stakeholders with scientific expertise to strengthen national resilience against future natural disasters.
The Ghana Institute of Geoscientists (GhIG) is the country’s professional body for geoscience practitioners.
The Institute of Geoscientists promotes scientific research, professional standards and evidence-based policymaking across geology, hydrology, engineering geology and environmental geosciences to support sustainable national development and protect communities from geological hazards.