GMet Engages Parliament on Proposed Authority Bill
The Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet) has continued its stakeholder engagement on the proposed bill to transition the Agency into a fully-fledged authority, as part of efforts to strengthen meteorological and climate service delivery in Ghana.
The two-day engagement, held at Aqua Safari Resort Ada, brought together representatives from the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), led by its Deputy Director-General, the Chairman and members of Parliament’s Select Committee on Information and Communications. The meeting follows initial deliberations the previous day and, on Day Two, focuses on key technical, legal, and operational aspects of the proposed legislation.
Legal practitioners from Atuguba and Associates and Ahiaforh and Associates, who supported the drafting of the bill, guided participants through its provisions.
Key highlights of the discussions included the transition of GMet into an authority with regulatory oversight, expansion of its mandate into climate services, and the introduction of licensing and enforcement mechanisms. The bill also proposes the establishment of a sustainable funding framework and alignment with international standards under the World Meteorological Organisation.
A major focus of day two deliberations was the proposed funding model. Representatives from the aviation sector raised concerns about the potential impact of certain charges, particularly on airspace competitiveness, and called for a more data-driven, balanced approach. In response, GMet underscored the need for sustainable financing to support critical infrastructure, service delivery, and compliance with international obligations.
Participants also discussed governance arrangements, including an expanded board structure and strengthened accountability measures to enhance transparency and efficiency in the management of the proposed authority.
The engagement provided a platform for constructive dialogue, with participants emphasising the importance of collaboration in refining the bill to ensure it meets national priorities while supporting industry growth.
The consultative process is expected to continue as GMet works with relevant stakeholders to finalise the proposed legislation for consideration.
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