1. Project Context

In conjunction with key stakeholders, the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) designed the Hydrogeological Assessment Project (HAP) to contribute to the collection and analysis of scientific data on groundwater with the long term objective of improving groundwater resource management and development in the northern regions of Ghana.  CIDA retained SNC-Lavalin Inc. and Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique – Eau, Terre, Environnement (INRS-ETE) Joint Venture as the Canadian Executing Agency (CEA) to carry out the HAP.

The original scope of work of HAP was completed between October 2005 and August 2008.  Due to the successful implementation and positive stakeholder feedback, CIDA decided to extend HAP to the middle of 2011.

Overview of Completed Key Activities of HAP (2005-2008)

Data Collection and Analyses:  Over 100 technical papers on groundwater in northern Ghana were collected and catalogued.  Over 400 hydrogeological reports were identified and collected, of which over 100 were transferred into electronic form and preserved in a metadatabase.  A consolidated electronic database of over 12,000 boreholes with associated hydrogeological data was developed through an extensive validation and ground-truthing exercise.

Groundwater Monitoring Infrastructure: 12 dedicated groundwater monitoring wells were constructed in key areas of northern Ghana and outfitted with electronic water level measurement instruments.  Groundwater levels and samples were collected during the period providing additional key water quality parameters.

Groundwater Recharge Estimation:  A field program was completed comprising the sampling and analyses of soil samples and the collection of rainfall samples at meteorological stations throughout the study area.  Regional recharge estimations were carried out using the Chloride Mass Balance approach.

TechnicalCapacity Building: 5 major training workshops were completed during the period comprising trainings on groundwater resource development and protection.  HAP carried out a comprehensive quality assurance training program for Ghanaian Water Quality Analysts.

Hydrogeological Synthesis:  Existing and new data was used to complete an (Interim) Hydrogeological Report including the production of dozens of GIS-based thematic maps such as groundwater availability and quality.

Key Planned Activities for the Extension  HAP (2008-2011)

To build on the success of the previous HAP activities, the following major activities are planned:

Data Management:  A GIS-based integrated groundwater and surface water network database will be introduced in the WRC.  This database will allow groundwater and surface water analyses and management as well as the integration of additional data in “real time”.  In addition, key data and thematic products will be made available to stakeholders through web-based information sharing modules within the database.

Groundwater Monitoring Infrastructure: 15 additional dedicated groundwater monitoring wells will be constructed in key areas of northern Ghana and outfitted with electronic water level measurement instruments.  Groundwater levels and samples will be collected during the period providing additional key water quality parameters.  A geodetic survey of the monitoring network and other key monitoring points will be carried out.

Hydrogeological Synthesis:  A geochemical characterization program will be carried out which will include shallow groundwater sampling and analyses at dozens of locations in the study area, and the continuation of chemical analyses of precipitation samples.

Technical and Institutional Capacity Building: Additional training workshops will be facilitated, focusing on groundwater vulnerability and preservation.  A training program will be developed and target District-level technical personnel with the goal of establishing a partnership for sustainable long-term monitoring of groundwater level and quality.

Additional key team members include water quality, database and geophysical siting experts.