7th Board of the Ghana Meteorological Agency HoldsRetreat and 1st Board Meeting

The newly constituted 7th Board of the Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet) has held a three-day retreat and its maiden Board meeting from Thursday, 11th to Sunday, 14th September, 2025. The programme marked the formal commencement of the Board’s activities and set the tone for effective governance, strategic oversight, and institutional transformation of GMet.

The retreat was designed to provide members of the new Boardwith an opportunity to align expectations, harmonize responsibilities, and build a common understanding of the Agency’s mandate, challenges, and opportunities. It also sought to enhance Board members’ knowledge of their statutory obligations, as well as equip them with the tools to provide strong strategic direction in an evolving meteorological and climate services landscape.

Key Areas of Focus

Over the course of the three days, the retreat explored several thematic areas that were critical to the effective functioning of the Board including the liabilities of Board members. This session ensured that members fully appreciated the weight of the roles they occupied and to understand the legal and fiduciary obligations tied to their positions, including issues of accountability, ethical conduct, and decision-making in the best interest of the Agency and the Ghanaian public.

Another critical area of discussion was procurement in the public sector as governed by the Public Procurement Act and related regulations. The retreat provided members with insights into how procurement processes are managed within the public service, highlighting the principles of fairness, transparency, competition, and value for money. By deepening their understanding, Board members were positioned to provide proper guidance and oversight to ensure that the Agency’s procurement practices remained above reproach and aligned with national standards.

The retreat also delved into the subject of strategic management within the public service. The discussions on strategic management therefore highlighted how the Board could support the leadership of GMet in crafting long-term visions, setting achievable targets, and aligning resources to meet national and international obligations. This focus not only strengthened the Agency’s institutional capacity but also ensured that its services contributed meaningfully to national development, particularly in the areas of climate change adaptation, disaster risk reduction, and socio-economic planning.

Public financial management was another area that received attention during the retreat. The retreat provided Board members with a deeper understanding of how public funds are mobilized, allocated, monitored, and reported. Board members familiarized themselves with budgetary processes, internal controls, financial reporting standards, and audit requirements. Strengthening the Board’s capacity in financial management ultimately enhanced its ability to exercise effective oversight, safeguard resources, and ensure that every cedi spent delivered maximum benefit to the people of Ghana.

Welcome Address by the Ag. Director-General, Dr. Eric Asuman

In his opening remarks, the Acting Director-General of GMet, Dr. Eric Asuman, highlighted the retreat’s significance as a milestone in formally commencing the tenure of the 7th Board. He underscored the need for shared expectations and responsibilities among Board members while providing an overview of the Agency’s current state and strategic direction.

Dr. Asuman emphasized the critical role of the Board’s strategic oversight, noting that GMet’s relevance had never been more urgent in the face of climate change and weather extremes. He explained that the Board’s guidance would be instrumental in positioning GMet as a more modern, impactful, and globally competitive meteorological institution. “Your strategic leadership will be the compass that ensures GMet achieves its goals, delivers timely services, and remains responsive to the needs of society,” he stated.

Remarks by the Board Chairman, Mr. Selasie Woanyah

On his part, the Chairman of the Board, Mr. Selasie Woanyah, expressed the Board’s readiness to lead GMet into a new phase of transformation. He stressed that the Board’s foremost responsibility was to transform the Agency’s infrastructure—physical, digital, systems, and networks—while also transforming the people of GMet, particularly in terms of mindset and institutional culture.

Mr. Woanyah expressed optimism that at the end of their tenure, the Board would achieve significant change that would leave a lasting legacy for the Agency, government, and humanity at large. He indicated that the Board was poised to transform the organization from what they have met it to be and build a GMet that future generations will be proud of.

The three-day retreat officially came to a close on Sunday with the first regular meeting of the 7th Board of the Ghana Meteorological Agency. This inaugural meeting provided the platform for members to discuss key and topical issues affecting the Agency, including policy directions, operational priorities, and urgent matters requiring Board oversight.

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