GMet Launches 4th Meteorological Awareness Month and Presents 2026 Seasonal Forecast for Southern Ghana
The Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet) on Tuesday, 24th February 2026, officially launched the Fourth Edition of Meteorological Awareness Month (MAM) and presented the 2026 Seasonal Forecast for the Southern Sector of Ghana.
This year’s Meteorological Awareness Month is on the theme, “Observing Today, Protecting Tomorrow.” The 2026 edition aims to deepen public awareness and understanding of weather and climate information and promote its effective use in planning and decision-making to protect lives, livelihoods, and property. The initiative continues to position meteorological information as an essential tool for national development, risk reduction, and climate resilience.
In his remarks, the Director-General of GMet, Dr. Eric Asuman, stated that observation remains the foundation of forecasting and early warning. “Every forecast we issue begins with observation. Every early warning we disseminate is grounded in measurements collected across the country,” he said. He noted that reliable observation systems are critical to protecting lives, livelihoods, and national investments, particularly in sectors such as aviation, agriculture, energy, and disaster management.
Dr. Asuman further indicated that the Agency is transitioning from predominantly manual systems to Automatic Weather Observation Systems nationwide and digitising historical climate records to strengthen long-term climate analysis and improve forecast accuracy.
Chairman of the Governing Board of GMet, Mr. Selasie Woanyah, described Meteorological Awareness Month as more than an annual programme. “It is a strategic platform for reform and institutional renewal,” he said. He added that the Board remains committed to improving service delivery and strengthening public confidence in meteorological information. “Technical excellence alone is not sufficient. Information must be accessible, understandable, and useful to the ordinary citizen,” he noted.
Welcoming participants, Mrs. Vivian Abla Kally, Ag. Deputy Director-General in charge of General Services emphasised the direct impact of weather and climate information on food security, infrastructure, aviation safety, water management, and disaster risk reduction. “While we cannot prevent natural hazards from occurring, we can inform, educate, and empower society to prepare adequately. Early information saves lives,” she stated.
Delivering the keynote address, the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Hon. Sam George, highlighted the growing risks associated with extreme weather events and shifting rainfall patterns. “Weather hazards cannot be prevented, but their impact can be significantly reduced through early information, preparedness, and responsible action,” he said.
The Minister further disclosed that the government is reviewing the legislative framework governing the Agency with the intention of upgrading its status from an agency to an authority to strengthen its policy mandate.
He subsequently presented the 2026 Seasonal Forecast for the Southern Sector, outlining the expected onset, cessation, and duration of the major rainfall season, anticipated dry spells, and rainfall distribution patterns to guide planning and decision-making in climate-sensitive sectors.
Since its introduction three years ago, Meteorological Awareness Month has evolved from activities initially concentrated at the Head Office into a structured national campaign. What began in Accra now spans all operational regions and more than twenty districts nationwide. For the 2026 edition, all Regional and District Offices of the Agency across the country will actively participate in the month-long programme. Regional and district teams will engage farmers, fisherfolk, transport operators, assemblies, schools, market associations, and security agencies to promote practical understanding and effective use of weather and climate information at the local level.
Over the past three editions, the initiative has led to key milestones, including the launch of the National Framework for Climate Services in 2023, the establishment of the Meteorological Society of Ghana, the formation of Green Climate Clubs, and the introduction of the Weather Kids Initiative.
Planned activities for the 2026 Meteorological Awareness Month will be rolled out nationwide and will include community engagement forums, school outreach programmes, stakeholder consultations, media engagements, and expanded public education campaigns. The Agency will intensify digital dissemination of weather information, promote communication in local languages, and adopt inclusive approaches to ensure that critical weather and climate updates reach all segments of society.
As the Fourth Meteorological Awareness Month unfolds, GMet has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening observation systems, enhancing public understanding of meteorological information, and working with stakeholders across the country to build a more climate-resilient Ghana.
©️GMet Communications