Open Geographic Data for Local Government Disaster Response Agencies in Ghana

Mapping the greater Cape Coast metropolitan area was initiated as a learning exercise for University of Cape Coast students. Data will be used by students to promote the use and adoption of open geographic data among local government actors. The anticipated impact of this project is empowering the local government to better plan and maintain public infrastructure. A team of stakeholders made up of representatives from the NADMO, Ghana Health Service (GHS), Campus based radio station (ATL FM), Air Force Base, (Accra) Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), National Ambulance Service (NAS), Disaster Volunteers Group (DVG), Ghana Education Service (GES) and Tema Metropolitan Assembly were given training in mainstreaming disaster management at the Sasakawa Center in the University of Cape Coast by the Directorate of Research and Innovation and Consultancy (DRIC) of the University of Cape Coast, Ghana. Facilitators hailed from the Department of Geography and Regional Planning (DGRP) and experts from other departments. The group used the technology of OSM tracker during their field visit to map hazards area with GPS coordinates, vulnerable communities, and risk zones from the study center to the Kakum National Park.