GMet Advances Calibration Expertise with Back-to-Back Training Sessions
From December 2 to December 6, 2024, engineers and technicians at the Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet) participated in a five-day, hands-on training led by Eng. Mustafa Arman of Metek Meteorologische Messtechnik GMbH, Germany. Conducted at GMet’s Instruments Laboratory, this program aimed to upgrade the skills and knowledge of the Engineering and Electronics Department staff in line with the latest global trends in equipment maintenance, testing, calibration, and software updates.
BUILDING ON DECEMBER’S SUCCESS
During the December session, the participants gained practical experience with critical instruments such as the wind tunnel, pressure chamber, radiation test equipment, temperature test cabinet, and the COMBILOG software. Eng. Mustafa, who had previously visited GMet in 2019, expressed delight at returning to Accra:
“It’s always a pleasure to work with such a dedicated team. Despite the language barrier, their enthusiasm and eagerness to learn were remarkable.”
He emphasized the importance of staying current with technological advancements to maintain high international standards in testing and calibrations. During the training, GMet staff engaged in hands-on exercises and in-depth discussions, building confidence in their ability to operate and maintain advanced calibration equipment.
“I’m confident they are now equipped to handle testing and calibrations of Meteorological instruments and sensors with precision and professionalism,” Mustafa noted. “My support doesn’t end here, I’m always available to assist when needed.”
Collins Ansah-Daniels, head of the Instruments Division, expressed gratitude for the opportunity:
“Eng. Mustafa’s expertise was exceptional, and despite communication challenges, he ensured we fully grasped the concepts. However, I believe such training sessions should occur more frequently, five years is too long a gap. Regular updates will keep us sharp and maintain our position as a reliable calibration hub.”
NEW SENSORS, NEW OPPORTUNITIES (February 2025 Training)
Encouraged by the success of the December 2024 training, GMet hosted another session from February 17 to February 20, 2025, once again facilitated by Eng. Mustafa Arman. This time, the focus was on the installation of new reference sensors for the radiation test equipment, wind tunnel, pressure chamber, and temperature test cabinet. After installation, a series of test runs were conducted to ensure seamless integration of these sensors into existing systems.
Eng. Mustafa commended the team’s dedication, noting how quickly they adapted to the upgraded setup:
“Their enthusiasm was even more pronounced this time around. I’m confident they can now run successful tests and perform calibrations independently for all equipment with newly installed sensors.”
Collins Ansah-Daniels echoed the trainer’s sentiments, reaffirming the Instruments Division’s eagerness to apply their new knowledge:
“We are grateful for this second round of training and are eager to put our skills into practice. We encourage all public and private institutions needing calibration services to bring their equipment to GMet. This will not only keep our team’s skills honed but also generate additional revenue for the Agency.”
Mr. James Dusu, Head of the Engineering Department, expressed optimism about the agency’s growth trajectory:
“This training will serve as a springboard to further improving the tools and equipment we need to reach international standards. Continuous professional development is key to achieving our vision for GMet.”
Strengthening GMet’s Commitment to Excellence
Both the December 2024 and February 2025 training sessions underscore GMet’s unwavering commitment to delivering world-class test and calibration services and maintaining cutting-edge meteorological equipment. With Eng. Mustafa’s ongoing support, the agency is better positioned than ever to meet the evolving demands of weather and climate services not only in Ghana but across the region.
As GMet continues to invest in professional development, these initiatives highlight the importance of regular training intervals, updated technology, and collaborative partnerships. In an ever-evolving technological landscape, GMet’s focus on capacity-building ensures the agency remains a trusted leader in meteorological engineering, setting high standards for equipment calibration, maintenance, and service delivery.
