By: Alex Adi
The Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet), through its Central Analysis and Forecast Office (Public Weather Unit), has begun a three-part Media Engagement sensitization Workshop on Early Warning Systems. The workshop which is on the theme ‘Advancing Early Warning Systems for All: Media as a Lifeline.’ is aimed at strengthening GMet’s collaboration with media professionals across the country to enhance public access to timely and reliable weather information.
According to Meteorologists, Early Warning Systems (EWS) often fail to reach communities in time, leading to delayed actions. However, major gaps in early warning systems remain globally, especially in translating early warnings into risk-informed early action.
The UN is leading the Early Warning for All initiative (EW4All), aiming to ensure everyone in the world is protected from hazardous weather, water, and climate events by providing life-saving early warning systems by the end of 2027.
Early Warning Systems are proven, effective, and feasible disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation measures that save lives and provide a tenfold return on investment.
The opening session in Accra had in attendance selected news editors, show hosts, producers, and digital content creators, equipping them with the skills to better interpret and disseminate weather forecasts and warnings.
The Director-General, Ghana Meteorological Agency, GMet, Dr. Eric Asuman said, a sustained collaboration with the media is critical in saving lives.
“every accurate forecast you broadcast, every timely warning you share, and every piece of climate information you communicate has the potential to save lives, protect livelihoods, and build a more resilient Ghana”. Dr. Asuman emphasized.
Dr. Asuman said, the Ghana Meteorological Agency produces scientific forecasts and warnings, but their value is only realized when they reach the people who need those services most, farmers planning their seasons, fishermen preparing for their journeys, urban dwellers facing flash floods, and families securing their homes against storms.
” You, our media partners, are the bridge between the information and public action. Complex meteorological data transformed into understandable, actionable information that saves lives and protects property need the media to get to the people. This is why we consider media not just as disseminators of information, but as lifelines for our communities.” Dr. Asuman said.
The United Nations Early Warning for All (EW4ALL) initiative is led by the United Nations Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and World Meteorological Organization (WMO). At the national level, the Ghana Meteorological Agency has led the national pillars; NADMO, National Communication Authority (NCA), and Ghana Red Cross to launch its EW4ALL and with the active support from World Food Program developed its roadmap for implementation.
The workshop series will subsequently be held in Koforidua and Elmina.
