Dr. Eric Asuman urges public to heed Weather Warnings
Dr Eric Asuman, the Ag. Director-General of the Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet), has called on the public to take weather warnings seriously to safeguard lives and properties. This call to action was made during an exclusive interview at the closing ceremony of the VFDM (Volta Flood and Drought Management) Project Workshop held in Accra on Friday, June 21, 2024.
Dr. Asuman highlighted the significant achievements of the VFDM project over the past five years. "The project has provided extensive capacity building for the staff of key institutions and users of the information.
This year alone, GMet has organized five programs, with this being the sixth, to build the capacity of users of the Mydewetra Volta Alarm System developed through this project. The Mydewetra Volta Alarm System, designed for countries within the Volta Basin, plays a critical role in generating early warning bulletins.
These bulletins, produced by GMet, the Ghana Hydrological Authority, and the Water Resources Commission, are essential for communities along the basin to make informed decisions regarding flood and drought risks. "This project has successfully fostered closer collaboration among these three institutions, enhancing data sharing and overall response capabilities.
A significant outcome of the project is the establishment of the Meteorological, Climatological, and Hydrological (MCH) Database Management system, which facilitates efficient data sharing among the involved institutions. "Data sharing is often a challenging aspect, not only in Ghana but globally. This system is a pivotal step forward in overcoming such barriers," he noted.
Dr. Asuman underscored the practical benefits of the generated bulletins, which provide critical information for communities to safeguard their livelihoods. "The bulletins are crucial for communities along the basin to make decisions regarding their socio-economic activities, especially in mitigating the impacts of extreme weather events," he explained.
Highlighting the importance of the Volta Basin, he mentioned, "The basin spans six countries, with a significant portion in Ghana. The Akosombo Dam on the Volta River is vital for energy generation and supports numerous livelihoods, particularly those of artisanal fisherfolks. Inland water forecasts for the Volta Basin, also generated by GMet, are invaluable for these fisherfolks. These forecasts help them plan their activities, ensuring their safety and economic stability," he added.
Concluding his interview, Dr. Asuman emphasized the collective responsibility of institutions and individuals in responding to weather information. "We provide the information, but it is up to the public to take the necessary actions. Taking weather warnings seriously and acting responsibly can significantly mitigate the effects of extreme weather events," he urged.
The VFDM Project Workshop in Accra marks a milestone in regional collaboration for climate adaptation, reinforcing the importance of early warning systems and proactive measures in safeguarding communities.
