The Water Research Institute (WRI) is one of the 13 institutes of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). WRI has a mandate to conduct research into water and related resources. WRI generates and provides scientific information, strategies and services toward the rational development, utilization and management of the water resources of Ghana in support of the socio–economic advancement of the country, especially in the agriculture, health, industry, energy, transportation, education and tourism sectors given climate change.
The institute is also trying to develop a database to serve as the foundation for a two-way transmission of knowledge in which local communities play a pivotal role as stakeholders exchange knowledge and best practices to advance the understanding of water conservation practices around the globe. Where data collection is collected through individual interviews and focus groups (Harvard Analytical Gender Tool) and data collection would be complemented with participant observations. This approach would help to improve strategies that assure an inclusive, rights-based, gender equity, and integrated multiple-evidence approach to water management and governance for mitigation and adaptation.
Other activities include Research activities of the Institute include:
• Characterising low stream flows of rivers in Ghana
• Integrated assessment of sediment in the river basins
• Climate change and water resources management
• Technology for modern rainwater harvesting for households and small communities
• Protection works on coastal and shoreline erosion
• Design of urban drainage and flood control systems
• Exploitation of groundwater resources to meet domestic, agricultural and industrial water supply, among others.