Courtesy Visit to the Ashanti Regional Co-ordinating Council
On 17th March 2026, a delegation from the Ghana Meteorological Agency paid a courtesy visit to the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council in Kumasi as part of activities marking the 2026 Meteorological Awareness Month.
Leading the delegation, Dr. Ignatius K. Williams, Deputy Director-General for Operations, formally introduced the Agency to the Ashanti Regional Director of National Disaster Management Organisation, Hon. Alhaji Nasir Mohammed. He delivered a comprehensive presentation on GMet’s mandate, highlighting its ongoing efforts in climate and weather service delivery, as well as initiatives aimed at enhancing public awareness and preparedness.
A key highlight of the engagement was the presentation of the 2026 Seasonal Forecast for Southern Ghana. Dr. Williams provided detailed insights into expected weather conditions over the coming months, outlining potential impacts on critical sectors such as agriculture, transportation, and livelihoods.
He further elaborated on advisories derived from the seasonal forecast, emphasizing GMet’s collaboration with agricultural extension officers to ensure that farmers receive timely and actionable weather information. He also noted the Agency’s close coordination with NADMO in identifying periods of anticipated heavy rainfall and the necessary precautionary measures to be undertaken ahead of such events. Additionally, he indicated that GMet has mapped out flood-prone and low-lying areas, particularly in densely populated locations, to support early warning and risk reduction efforts.
In his remarks, Dr. Williams advised stakeholders in the agricultural sector to consider drought-resistant crops, taking into account projected dry spells and the expected length of the season, while also encouraging the adoption of early-maturing crop varieties. He further urged the health sector to address risks associated with stagnant water, and cautioned against construction within designated buffer zones to minimize exposure to flooding and related hazards.
Hon. Alhaji Nasir Mohammed, in his response, outlined ongoing and completed projects under his administration, as well as key challenges confronting disaster management efforts in the region. He reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening collaboration with GMet to enhance disaster preparedness and response.
The engagement underscored the critical role of seasonal forecasting as a tool for informed planning and proactive decision-making, enabling institutions and communities to better anticipate and respond to weather-related risks.
©️GMet Communications