The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, Sam Nartey George,  has launched the 2026 edition of Metrological Awareness Month, underscoring the strategic importance of weather and climate information to Ghana’s national development agenda.

The event also featured the official unveiling of the 2026 major rainy season forecast for southern Ghana.

In his address, the Minister outlined the government’s vision to reposition the Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMET) as a centre of excellence in weather and climate service delivery.

He noted that the Agency has achieved significant milestones, including securing full ISO 9001:2015 certification and integrating its weather alert systems into major global platforms.

He further announced plans to elevate GMET’s status from an agency to an authority, a move expected to strengthen its policy mandate and operational independence.

To enhance public safety communications, the Minister directed the National Communications Authority to ensure full integration of the Common Alerting Protocol across all telecommunications networks in the country.

According to the 2026 seasonal outlook, southern Ghana is likely to experience a normal to slightly earlier onset of rains, with cumulative rainfall projected to be below normal in parts of the southwestern sector and the eastern coastal belt.

The Minister stressed that GMET’s work goes beyond technological innovation, impacting key sectors such as agriculture, health, aviation and transportation.

He also urged the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority to comply with parliamentary requirements and settle its financial obligations to the Agency.

Director-General of GMET, Eric Asuman, in his remarks, highlighted the critical role of meteorology in shaping national planning and resilience.

He explained that the introduction of the Meteorological Awareness Month has enhanced public understanding of meteorological science and strengthened confidence in the Agency’s services.

Dr. Asuman indicated that the 2026 edition is anchored on four strategic objectives: raising public awareness, providing a platform for sharing timely weather and climate information, strengthening partnerships, and showcasing innovation within the sector.

He described observation as the backbone of accurate forecasting, stressing the need for precise measurement and recording of atmospheric parameters.

He called for collective action to address climate risks and build a more climate-resilient Ghana.