GMet Concludes Week-Long Python Training with Renewed Commitment
The Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet), with support from the Danish Meteorological Institute (DMI), and the Embassy of Denmark, has successfully concluded a week-long Python programming training to advance the development of Ghana’s Climate Atlas.
The training, held in Accra, was designed to equip selected GMet technical staff with modern skills and tools for geospatial and climate data analysis, visualization, and organization, a critical step towards the operationalization of Ghana’s Climate Atlas.
Throughout the week, participants were taken through an intense curriculum, including; Basic routinely used Linux commands, Installation of requisite libraries and virtual environments, Introduction to version control with GitHub/GitLab, Geospatial data fundamentals and Python libraries, Visualization with Cartopy and advanced geospatial plotting, Introduction to Xarray for multidimensional data, Data manipulation and analysis with Xarray, Working with time-series and climate datasets, Creating custom geospatial visualisations for climate statistics, Introduction to automated geospatial data analysis and Organizing climate statistics into modules/pipelines with a focus on climatological periods.
These sessions, facilitated by two expert trainers Dr. Mohau Mateyisi and Dr. Nkanyiso Mbatha from South Africa’s Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), combined theory with practical exercises, enabling participants to build hands-on skills that will directly contribute to climate services delivery in Ghana. They applauded participants for demonstrating the three essentials of successful capacity building: a beginner’s attitude, passion, and consistency. According to them, these qualities are what Africa needs most in building a generation of problem-solvers capable of addressing the uncertainties of climate change.
At the closing ceremony held on Friday, 22nd August 2025, Dr. Eric Asuman, Director-General of GMet, lauded the participants for their dedication but reminded them that “the real work starts now.” He challenged the trainees to apply their new skills to key projects such as Ghana’s Climate Atlas, stressing that the true test of expertise lies in using knowledge to solve problems and in sharing it with others: “If you can master it yourself and teach your colleagues, then you are an expert in the making.” He further emphasized that the Agency would be demanding results, noting that this training was not for its own sake but a foundation for delivering products and services that society urgently needs.
The Deputy Director-General (Operations), Dr. Ignatius Kweku Williams, who delivered heartfelt closing remarks, extended deep appreciation to the trainers for imparting their knowledge and skills. He highlighted the value of intra-African knowledge transfer, commending the South African facilitators for strengthening continental capacity. Dr. Williams also encouraged participants to maintain the bonds created during the training and to continue practicing the skills acquired:
“This week’s sessions may have ended, but the learning process must continue. If you do not keep practicing, you risk losing what you have gained. Please stay connected with the trainers and with one another, this is a lifetime bond. With continuous effort, the impact of this training will go far beyond this room.”
Mr. Kim Sarup who represented the Danish Embassy expressed his delight at the successful completion of the program. He noted that climate change is not a future threat but a present reality, and programs like this one equip institutions such as GMet to respond effectively. Mr. Sarup also commended the Agency’s young team for their eagerness to learn and pledged the embassy’s continued support in building capacity for sustainable climate solutions.
From the DMI, Mr. Shingirai Shepard Nangombe reiterated the Institute’s readiness to continue supporting Ghana in strengthening its climate services. He praised the participants for their active engagement throughout the sessions and urged them to use their newly acquired skills in ways that directly impact Ghana’s climate adaptation strategies.
Closing on a note of appreciation, participants thanked GMet management, DMI, the Embassy, and their facilitators for making the training possible. They reflected on how the program had not only built their technical competence but also deepened their resolve to work collaboratively and contribute to change within their respective units. As a mark of recognition, each participant was presented with a certificate of participation, symbolizing both their achievement and their commitment to applying the skills gained in support of Ghana’s Climate Atlas development.
©️GMet Communications