Ghana to upgrade meteorological agency to authority – Sam George

The Ghana Meteorological Agency is set for a major upgrade as the government moves to strengthen the country’s climate monitoring and disaster preparedness systems.

This was revealed by the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, during the launch of the 2026 Meteorological Awareness Month in Accra.

Mr. George explained that the transformation from an agency to an authority is part of a legislative review aimed at expanding the institution’s legal and operational powers. “Weather hazards cannot be prevented, but their impact can be significantly reduced through early information, preparedness, and responsible action. Upgrading the Meteorological Agency to an authority will give it greater policy power,” he said.

The move comes amid growing concerns over the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, unpredictable rainfall patterns, and recurring flooding across the country. According to the Minister, these challenges have made it essential for the Meteorological Agency to provide timely and accurate forecasts to protect lives and property.

The event in Accra attracted policymakers, climate scientists, emergency response teams, aviation authorities, and representatives from the agriculture and maritime sectors. All these groups depend heavily on reliable weather data for planning, operational safety, and risk management.

Mr. George noted that the agency’s services — including seasonal forecasts, early warning alerts, and aviation meteorological support — are crucial tools for farmers, shipping operators, airlines, and urban planners. Strengthening the agency, he added, will improve coordination with international meteorological organisations and enhance the country’s ability to respond to climate-related risks.

The planned upgrade also aligns with Ghana’s broader climate resilience agenda, ensuring that communities, businesses, and government agencies have access to accurate, actionable information. By transforming the agency into an authority, the government hopes to empower it to implement policies more effectively, improve disaster preparedness, and support sustainable development.

As Ghana continues to face the impacts of climate change, this strategic step aims to provide citizens and institutions with the tools they need to anticipate, prepare for, and mitigate the effects of adverse weather events.