Excerpt
The Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet) plays a pivotal role in providing accurate and timely weather and climate information essential for the nation’s socio-economic development. This article delves into GMet’s historical background, constitutional mandate, organizational structure, leadership, recruitment processes, collaborations, achievements, and other pertinent details.
Historical Background
Meteorological observations in Ghana date back to the 1830s, initiated by the Basel Mission around the Aburi Botanical Gardens. In 1886, the British colonial government established three climatological stations along the coast, managed by the Medical Department. The Meteorological Department was formally established in 1937. Following Ghana’s independence in 1957, the department expanded its network to 14 synoptic stations, operating continuously to monitor weather patterns. In 2004, the Ghana Meteorological Agency Act (Act 682) transformed the department into the Ghana Meteorological Agency, enhancing its capabilities and scope.
Constitutional Mandate
GMet operates under the Ghana Meteorological Agency Act, 2004 (Act 682), which mandates the agency to:
- Provide meteorological services in support of various sectors, including agriculture, aviation, and maritime.
- Collect, process, archive, and disseminate meteorological data to end-users.
- Ensure compliance with international standards in meteorological practices.
- Advise the government on matters related to weather, climate, and climate change.
Organizational Structure
GMet functions under the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation and is overseen by a Board of Directors. The agency comprises several key departments:
Synoptic Meteorology and Forecasting:
- Focuses on weather observation and forecasting.
Support Services:
- Provides administrative and logistical support.
Research and Applied Meteorology:
- Conducts research to improve meteorological services.
Engineering:
- Maintains and develops meteorological instruments and infrastructure.
Basic Network and Data Processing:
- Manages data collection and processing from various stations nationwide.
Leadership and Ranks
The agency is led by a Director-General, supported by departmental heads and other senior officials. As of the latest available information, Dr. Michael Tanu serves as the Director-General.
Mode of Appointment and Recruitment
GMet’s recruitment processes align with public service regulations. In 2023, the government authorized the recruitment of 250 permanent officers to strengthen the agency’s capacity. This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to equipping GMet to fulfill its mandate effectively.
Collaborations and Partnerships
GMet collaborates with various national and international organizations to enhance its service delivery:
Ghana Civil Aviation Authority:
- Provides meteorological oversight for flight operations.
Volta River Authority:
- Supplies rainfall and evaporation data crucial for managing hydro-electric dams at Akosombo and Kpong.
Ghana Navy:
- Offers maritime weather forecasts to support naval operations.
Water Research Institute:
- Delivers ten-day rainfall bulletins to aid water resource management.
Achievements
GMet has made significant strides in enhancing meteorological services in Ghana:
ISO Certification:
- Achieved ISO 9001:2015 certification, affirming its commitment to quality management systems.
Network Expansion:
- Increased the number of synoptic stations from 14 in 1957 to 25, with approximately 210 stations nationwide, improving data collection and weather forecasting accuracy.
Technological Advancements:
- Installed automatic weather stations and satellite receivers to modernize data collection and forecasting capabilities.
Additional Information
GMet continues to play a crucial role in national development by providing essential meteorological services that support various sectors, including agriculture, aviation, and disaster management.
Reference
- https://www.meteo.gov.gh/organisation/about-us/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghana_Meteorological_Agency
- https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/Government-supports-GMet-to-recruit-250-permanent-officers-Minister-reveals-1748000
- https://www.meteo.gov.gh/
- https://www.meteo.gov.gh/publications/
- https://siga.gov.gh/sector/ghana-meteorological-agency/
- https://www.meteo.gov.gh/documents/303/2023_RTI_INFORMATION_Manual-GHANA_METEOROLOGICAL_AGENCY_Gmet1.pdf
- https://ir.parliament.gh/bitstream/handle/123456789/1834/ghana%20meteorological%20agency%20act%2C%202004%20%28act%20682%29.pdf?sequence=1
- https://moc.gov.gh/gma/
- https://www.wikiwand.com/en/articles/Ghana_Meteorological_Agency
- https://www.ghana.gov.gh/mdas/e2ba676996/