The Water Resources Commission (WRC) has raised concerns over the inadequate number of river gauges across the country, warning that the situation is hindering effective monitoring, planning, and management of Ghana’s water resources.
According to the Head of the White Volta Basin, Jesse Kazapoe, river gauges, critical instruments used to measure water levels and flow, remain insufficient across major river systems and their tributaries. This gap, he said, is affecting water supply planning, flood preparedness, and agricultural development.
“Before you can determine how much water to treat for consumption or allocate for irrigation, you must first know how much water exists in the system,” Mr. Kazapoe said. “Without reliable data, planning becomes guesswork.”
River gauges play a central role in quantifying available freshwater resources by providing real-time data that helps water managers determine how much water can be safely extracted for domestic, agricultural, and industrial use. However, the absence of these gauges—particularly on tributaries—means critical data is missing.
The Commission noted that several key river systems, including tributaries within the White Volta Basin, remain largely ungauged, making it difficult to determine their contribution to overall water availability and complicating development planning.
“If we want to develop irrigation schemes or water supply systems along these tributaries, we first need accurate data on their water yield. Unfortunately, that data is not readily available,” Mr. Kazapoe added.
Beyond water allocation, river gauges also serve as vital early warning systems for floods. A well-distributed network allows authorities to monitor rising water levels and predict how floodwaters will move downstream.
“In the event of flooding, gauges upstream can give communities downstream a two- to three-hour window to prepare and protect lives and property,” the Commission noted. “Without these systems, communities are left vulnerable.”
The lack of gauges is also increasing operational costs. In the absence of historical hydrological data, authorities often have to commission new field assessments before initiating water-related projects.
“If we had adequate data from functioning gauges, we could design projects remotely and move straight to implementation. Instead, we spend additional resources on consultants to conduct new hydrological studies,” Mr. Kazapoe said.
The Commission emphasized that river gauges are essential for long-term environmental sustainability, as continuous monitoring helps determine trends in water levels and supports policies aimed at protecting river ecosystems and ensuring water security.
The WRC is therefore calling for increased government support and stakeholder collaboration to expand the country’s river gauging network, describing it as critical for national development and climate resilience.
“As a country, we cannot manage what we do not measure,” the Commission stressed. “Improving our river monitoring systems is not optional—it is essential.”
Mr. Kazapoe made the remarks during a sensitization workshop organized by the Water Resources Commission and Blue Deal, alongside other partners, for journalists and media practitioners in Bolgatanga to enhance their technical capacity.
A1 Radio | 101.1 Mhz | Samuel Adagom | Bolgatanga
