Systems in place to fully digitalize GMet weather observation system – Ursula  

Minister of Communications and Digitalization, Mrs. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful has said plans are underway for effective digitalization aspect of the Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet) weather monitoring systems.

She indicated that, this when accomplished will provide an improved interface for analysis, and permanently overcome the Agency’s distribution weather challenges.

“Ghana is also using Impact-based Forecast (IBF) now, providing updates on the likelihood and impact of extreme weather expected over specific areas to inform planning and support decision-making especially for vulnerable communities.

“The Government of Ghana is determined to fully digitalize GMet weather observation systems and provide enhanced interface for analysis and permanently resolve the dissemination challenges of the Agency. In line with the multi-sectoral engagement to develop and enhance Early Warning delivery, GMet, HYDRO and WRC are collaborating with UKCEH and WMO to provide sub-seasonal to seasonal hydrological conditions in the Ghana towards water sustainability and I look forward to its successful implementation” she made this known at the 19th Session of the World Meteorological Organization Congress taking place in Geneva.

The Ablekuma West lawmaker, therefore, called for proactive measures by the leaders on the Africa continent to protect their people through the Early Warning system using modern digital technology.

She said advancements in technology, like satellite monitoring, have enabled NMHSs to predict weather conditions with increased accuracy, enabling authorities to provide more specific, localized warnings to people in affected areas.

She further noted that the integration of technologies, social media, apps, text messages, and push notifications make it easier for authorities to reach out to individuals in a more targeted and timely manner in emergency situations.

“Leveraging these technologies are part of our strategy to mitigate the gaps in access to early warning to provide timely weather services. The Ghana Meteorological Agency’s “My Flood Risk Accra App” which provides real-time flood and weather alerts for our capital city, was launched in August 2021. The app informs citizens about their exposure to flood risks for early preparedness and early action,” she stated.

Ghana and other African countries continue to have challenges with the Early Warning system as extreme weather conditions escalate globally.

An estimated 3.6 billion people live in conditions that make them highly vulnerable to climate variability and change, and Africa is the second hardest hit by floods and hydrometeorological phenomenon.