Dr. Afiesimama Urges GMet Aeronautical Meteorologists to Focus on Competency and Professional Excellence
Former Regional Programmes Manager at the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), Dr. Ernest Afiesimama, has urged aeronautical meteorological personnel of the Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet) to focus on developing practical competencies and maintaining professional standards as they deliver critical weather information to the aviation sector.
Speaking at the ongoing Aeronautical Meteorological Refresher Training Programme for staff of the Accra International Airport Meteorological Office in Accra, Dr. Afiesimama described aeronautical meteorology as a flagship area of meteorological services, stressing the critical role it plays in aviation safety and operational decision-making.
He explained that unlike public weather services, which are often most visible through media presentations, aeronautical meteorological services operate at a level where the accuracy, reliability and proper documentation of meteorological information can have significant implications for aviation operations and investigations.
“You are very important,” Dr. Afiesimama told participants, emphasizing the responsibility that comes with providing meteorological information for aviation.
According to him, the importance of aeronautical meteorology extends beyond routine weather forecasting, as meteorological records and information can become critical sources of evidence when aviation incidents occur.
He noted that GMet's growing recognition within the African meteorological community was also linked to the Agency's capacity and experience in delivering aeronautical meteorological services. He said Ghana was increasingly being looked to within the region as a country capable of providing effective aeronautical meteorological information and expertise.
From Qualification to Competency
A major focus of his remarks was the changing approach to professional training in meteorology. He reminded participants that the international system has moved beyond training that primarily establishes qualifications to a competency-based approach, where emphasis is placed on what professionals are able to do effectively in their workplaces.
“We have moved from training of qualification to competency-based training,” he said, stressing that the key question is not only what a professional knows, but how that knowledge is translated into effective performance.
Dr. Afiesimama further encouraged the meteorologists and technicians to aim for standards that go beyond the minimum requirements, noting that professional competency must be demonstrated through consistent performance.
Encouragement to Pursue Professional Excellence
Drawing from his own professional journey, Dr. Afiesimamaencouraged participants not to be discouraged by their current positions or circumstances, but to remain committed to excellence in their work.
He urged them to perform their duties diligently, regardless of whether their efforts receive immediate recognition.
“You can get to the pinnacle of your profession,” he told the participants, encouraging them to remain focused and committed to their responsibilities.
He advised participants not to focus excessively on the positions of their superiors, but instead to concentrate on doing their own work well, noting that professional growth often comes through opportunities that may not initially be visible.
Call for Greater Attention to Marine Meteorology
Dr. Afiesimama also used the occasion to encourage GMet to give greater prominence to marine meteorological services, noting Ghana's strategic position as a hub within the West African region.
He appealed to the Agency's leadership to consider strengthening and elevating marine meteorology to the level he believes its importance to the country and the sub-region warrants.
His comments come as GMet continues to strengthen its technical capacity and position itself to play a greater role in meteorological service delivery and professional capacity development across Africa.
The Aeronautical Meteorological Refresher Training Programme forms part of GMet's continuing efforts to strengthen the competence of personnel responsible for providing aviation weather services and to ensure that their work remains aligned with applicable WMO, International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and national standards.
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