GMet Pushes for Climate-Informed Decision Making as It Engages Sunyani East Assembly
The Director-General of the Ghana Meteorological Agency, Dr. Eric Asuman, has called for the integration of weather and climate information into local governance and development planning, stressing that such data is critical to safeguarding lives, livelihoods, and national development.
He made this call on Thursday, April 9, 2026 during an engagement with the Sunyani East Municipal Assembly as part of activities marking Meteorological Awareness Month 2026.
Addressing the Municipal Chief Executive, Vincent Antwi Adjei, and members of the Assembly, Dr. Asuman emphasized that the work of the Agency extends far beyond disaster management, touching nearly every sector of the economy.
“Farmers need to know when the rains will start, when they will end, and the likelihood of dry spells within the season. Without this information, planning becomes guesswork,” he stated.
He explained that weather and climate data also play a crucial role in energy production, particularly in the management of dams, where rainfall projections determine power generation capacity. In the health sector, he noted, such information helps authorities prepare for outbreaks of diseases like malaria and cholera, which are often linked to weather patterns.
Dr. Asuman further highlighted the importance of meteorological data in infrastructure development, pointing to tools such as Intensity-Duration-Frequency (IDF) curves used by engineers to design drainage systems capable of handling projected rainfall.
“For an engineer designing drains, our data determines whether that infrastructure will last for years or fail after the first heavy rains,” he explained.
Bringing the message closer to everyday life, he noted that even small-scale traders rely on accurate weather information.
“A waakye seller who prepares food expecting customers may incur losses if a storm keeps people indoors. Weather affects everyone,” he added.
The Director-General also underscored the importance of aviation and marine meteorology, noting that pilots and fishermen depend on timely and accurate forecasts for safety-critical decisions.
He used the opportunity to advocate for increased awareness and stronger collaboration between the Agency and local authorities, stressing that many people still underestimate the value of weather information.
“When forecasts and warnings are issued, they must be taken seriously. Waiting for disaster before acting only leads to avoidable losses,” he cautioned.
Dr. Asuman also introduced the Agency’s newly developed Climate Atlas, which provides long-term projections of temperature and rainfall patterns for up to 100 years, enabling policymakers to make informed, future-proof decisions.
Responding, the Sunyani East Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Antwi Adjei, acknowledged the importance of the Agency’s work and admitted that such engagements are crucial for deepening institutional understanding.
“Every day, you learn something new. Engaging institutions like this helps us appreciate the depth of their work and how it supports development,” he said.
He pledged the Assembly’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Agency and assured that GMet would be included in key planning and stakeholder engagements going forward.
“I promise that this meeting marks the beginning of closer cooperation. We will work together and support your efforts,” he added.
The engagement also highlighted the availability of GMet’s public weather services, which are freely accessible through digital platforms, as well as specialized forecast services available upon request for individuals and organizations requiring tailored weather information.
The interaction forms part of GMet’s broader nationwide stakeholder engagement efforts under Meteorological Awareness Month, aimed at improving public understanding and encouraging the use of weather and climate information in decision-making at all levels.
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