GMet Marks Meteorological Awareness Month with Military, Government and Public Engagements in Takoradi
The Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet) has marked Meteorological Awareness Month 2026 with a series of engagements in Takoradi, including meetings with the Ghana Air Force, a courtesy call on the Western Regional Minister, media engagements, and a public education campaign at the Takoradi Market Circle on Thursday, 19th March, 2026.
The activities were aimed at increasing awareness of weather and climate services, strengthening partnerships, and bringing seasonal forecast information closer to decision-makers and the public.
Engagement with Ghana Air Force
The GMet team began the activities with an engagement at the Takoradi Air Force Base, where they met with the Military High Command and officers of the Ghana Air Force. The team was welcomed by Squadron Leader Ekpale, who emphasized the importance of meteorological information in flight operations and military planning.
He noted that weather information plays a critical role in aviation safety, mission planning, and operational efficiency, adding that continuous collaboration between the Air Force and GMet is essential.
The Deputy Director-General in charge of Operations at GMet, Dr. Ignatius Kweku Williams, later delivered a presentation on the Agency’s novel product, Ghana Climate Atlas, highlighting its role in aviation safety and national planning.
“Accurate climate information is no longer just about predicting rain or shine. It is about planning for the future, managing risks, and ensuring that our national security and infrastructure can withstand the impacts of climate change,” he said.
He noted that rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns could affect aircraft performance, runway safety, and operational planning, stressing the need for stronger collaboration between GMet and the Ghana Armed Forces to integrate climate intelligence into decision-making.
The engagement also allowed Air Force officers to provide feedback on meteorological services, particularly aviation weather information, visibility reporting, and forecasting accuracy, with both institutions agreeing to strengthen collaboration and training going forward.
The meeting ended with closing remarks from Squadron Leader Adu Gyamfi Clara, who stood in for the Base Commander and thanked the GMet team for the engagement and partnership.
She noted that improved communication, training, and regular engagement between the two institutions would help improve operations and safety.
Courtesy Call on Western Regional Minister
Following the military engagement, the GMet team led by Dr. Williams paid a courtesy call on the Western Regional Minister, Hon. Joseph Nelson, where he briefed him on the purpose of the visit and activities planned for Meteorological Awareness Month.
The Minister expressed his appreciation for the initiative, especially the effort to take climate and weather education to the grassroots.
He noted that although GMet continues to provide weather and climate information, public interest and awareness remain low and encouraged the Agency to intensify public education so that people understand how weather and climate information affects their daily lives and livelihoods.
He also urged the Agency to explore the possibility of establishing more meteorological offices and to strengthen engagement with Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to help prepare communities ahead of the rainy season.
The Minister further commended the Green Climate Club Initiative and assured the team of his support, encouraging the Takoradi office to maintain close contact with his office for any assistance they may need.
Public Engagement at Takoradi Market Circle
As part of the outreach activities, the GMet team, together with officers from the Takoradi Airport Meteorological Office, engaged traders and the general public at the Takoradi Market Circle. The team educated the public on the 2026 seasonal forecasts for southern Ghana, flood risks, and safety measures during extreme weather events.
The engagement was aimed at ensuring that weather and climate information reaches ordinary citizens, particularly those whose livelihoods depend heavily on weather conditions.
Media Engagement
Prior to these engagements, the team also held media discussions on Connect FM and Skyy Power FM, where they discussed the seasonal forecast for the southern sector and explained what the public should expect in the upcoming rainy season.
Promoting Climate Awareness
The Meteorological Awareness Month activities in Takoradi formed part of GMet’s broader efforts to promote climate awareness, improve public understanding of weather and climate information, and strengthen collaboration with key institutions.
The Agency reiterated its commitment to expanding public education, improving forecasting services, and supporting national development through accurate and timely weather and climate information.
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