Accra: The Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet) has intensified public education on rainfall patterns and safety measures to enhance preparedness.
According to Ghana News Agency, the initiative is part of the Agency's awareness campaign themed 'Observing Today, Protecting Tomorrow,' aimed at improving climate literacy and public safety. As part of the programme, the Agency held a public engagement on March 28, focusing on rainfall trends, temperature variations, and weather-related risks.
Mr. Richard Adzah, the Senior Meteorological Technician, explained that rainfall this year is expected to be generally normal, although some parts of the country have already experienced slightly early rains. He mentioned that the engagement was designed to educate the public on weather conditions, including rainfall patterns, possible drought, and diseases associated with changing weather.
Mr. Sidza Henry, the Administrative Officer, noted that the Agency is targeting drivers, farmers, builders, and traders to help them understand weather conditions and take appropriate precautions. Mr. Albert Kwame Buo, the Senior Meteorological Technician, urged citizens to support environmental sanitation efforts, emphasizing that poor sanitation contributes to diseases such as malaria and cholera. He also called for proper planning in construction, urging authorities to guide the public on safe building locations to prevent flooding and related disasters.
Mr. Adzah advised farmers to remain cautious despite the early rains, warning of a possible dry spell lasting two to three weeks, which could affect crops. He explained that Ghana has different climatic zones, including the southern, transitional, and northern zones, each with varying weather patterns.
The Agency also expanded the event by bringing together more than 200 Senior High School students from Mawuli School and Mawuko Girls Senior High School. At the event, students and teachers were introduced to weather science, including how data on temperature, rainfall, wind speed, and atmospheric pressure are collected and analyzed. Officials demonstrated the use of instruments such as thermometers, rain gauges, anemometers, and evaporation pans to enhance practical understanding. Students were also encouraged to consider careers in meteorology, with officials highlighting opportunities within the field and the importance of weather services to sectors such as agriculture, aviation, and disaster management.