Accra: Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has called on the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) to settle outstanding payments owed to the Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet), cautioning that failure to comply with parliamentary legislation could lead to further action. He made the remarks on February 24, 2026, at the launch of the 2026 Meteorological Awareness Month and the presentation of the 2026 Seasonal Forecast for Southern Ghana.
According to Ghana Web, Sam George emphasized the necessity for the institution to honour their statutory financial obligations to enable GMet to effectively deliver critical weather and climate services, particularly in support of aviation safety and national development. He highlighted the importance of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority complying with Parliament's legislation and settling the payments owed to GMet.
The minister commended GMet for attaining ISO 9001:2015 certification, marking a step toward improving service delivery and operational standards. He also noted that the agency is working to secure ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation to enhance the credibility of its technical services, especially within the aviation sector.
Presenting the 2026 major rainy season forecast for southern Ghana, Sam George announced that the season is expected to start from the third week of February, with a normal to slightly earlier onset across most areas, though some locations may experience delayed consistent rainfall until early March. Between March and May, parts of the southwestern sector and the eastern coastal belt, including Accra and Tema, are projected to record below-normal rainfall. From April to June, above-normal rainfall is expected along the east coast and adjoining inland areas.
Two significant dry spells are anticipated during the season, first from March to April and then from May to June. The cessation of the major rainy season is forecast between July and August, with the overall duration projected to range between 100 and 130 days across most parts of southern Ghana.
Sam George urged farmers, urban residents, local assemblies, and health authorities to use the forecast for proactive planning. He advised residents to clear drainage systems to reduce the risk of flooding, emphasizing that failure to maintain waterways constitutes a breach of environmental bylaws. He further encouraged collaboration with the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and continuous monitoring of official updates from GMet throughout the season.
Sam George assured stakeholders that GMet stands ready to work across sectors, including agriculture, health, transportation, and disaster risk management, to translate the seasonal forecast into practical guidance aimed at protecting lives and livelihoods.