UK MET OFFICE, GMET STRENGTHEN WEATHER BROADCASTING WITH STUDIO UPGRADE AND TRAINING
The Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet), in collaboration with the UK Met Office, has undertaken a five-day Media Studio Hardware Refresh and Graphics Training programme to strengthen Ghana’s capacity for effective weather communication and broadcasting.
The programme, held from 24 to 28 August 2026, focused on assessing and improving the technical capabilities of GMet’s Public Weather Studio, while equipping weather forecasters with enhanced skills in weather graphics, presentation and broadcast delivery.
The collaboration forms part of ongoing efforts to improve the quality, reliability and accessibility of weather information provided to the public, particularly through broadcast and digital media platforms.
As part of the exercise, the technical team conducted a comprehensive assessment of the studio and identified a number of hardware and audio-visual challenges. These included an audio issue with the Blackmagic Web Presenter and limitations associated with the studio’s Standard Definition video output.
The technical challenges were addressed through improvements to the studio setup, including the introduction of an SDI-to-HDMI converter and the configuration of a new laptop supplied by the UK Met Office. The interventions have enhanced the studio’s technical readiness and provide a stronger foundation for high-quality weather broadcasts.
Beyond the hardware refresh, the programme also focused on improving the physical arrangement, lighting and overall presentation environment of the studio.
Participants were introduced to the UK Met Office’s e-learning platform and the Full HD Media System – TV Weather course, providing GMet personnel with access to additional learning resources to support continuous professional development beyond the training programme.
The training also covered the use of PowerPoint in the development and presentation of weather graphics. Participants worked with the instructors to develop a schematic diagram of the studio, while discussions highlighted the importance of comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to guide studio operations, maintenance and troubleshooting.
A key component of the programme involved practical presentation sessions. GMet weather forecasters conducted both test and live presentations, recorded their forecasts and reviewed their performances. Through self-assessment and peer feedback, the forecasters identified areas for improvement, corrected presentation errors and enhanced their positioning, delivery and interaction with weather maps and graphics.
The practical sessions were designed to strengthen the ability of forecasters to communicate complex weather information clearly, accurately and effectively to the public.
The programme concluded with recommendations for the development of comprehensive studio SOPs and troubleshooting guides, improved file management and archiving systems, and regular practical training for weather forecasters.
The participants were also encouraged to make continuous use of the UK Met Office’s e-learning resources and to pursue ongoing improvements in GMet’s weather graphics, studio environment and broadcast capabilities.
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