Dr Sylvester Darko is Acting CEO of Ghana Hydrological Authority (HYDRO)
The Ghana Hydrological Authority has stressed the need for a clear policy framework on rainwater harvesting to reduce flood risks in the country.
Speaking with GhanaWeb’s Etsey Atisu on Thursday, January 15, 2026, Acting Chief Executive Officer of HYDRO, Dr Sylvester Darko, explained that leaving certain areas undeveloped can serve as water retention zones, easing pressure on drainage systems while also creating recreational spaces for communities.
He also pointed out the importance of rainwater harvesting, which slows down runoff into drains and allows water to be collected for future use.
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“We need to incorporate a lot of green spaces in our development. There are areas we can avoid developing, so that it can serve as water retention areas. These areas can also serve as reservoirs, even recreational areas. When you travel elsewhere, there are recreation centers that are used as water retention areas. Once the rains come, these areas hold the water,” he remarked.
Dr Darko urged property developers to prioritise green spaces in planning and construction, while calling on the government and stakeholders to implement policies that support rainwater harvesting as part of sustainable urban development in Ghana.
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“There has to be a policy for us to go into rainwater harvesting, because it means that we are delaying the runoff into the drainage systems, into our drainage systems. So, that policy will have to come up, so, that we engage stakeholders on its implementation,” he added
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