World Meteorological Day: GMET Urges Vigilance on Weather Risks
By Praisebell Rosemond Larbi
The Director-General of the Ghana Meteorological Agency, Dr. Eric Asuman, has underscored the critical importance of weather and climate awareness in safeguarding lives, property, and economic activity, as Ghana joined the global community to mark this year’s World Meteorological Day.
Speaking on The Brighter Side on ZED 101.9 FM, Dr. Asuman reflected on the 2026 theme, “Observing Today, Protecting Tomorrow,” stressing that timely and accurate weather information remains a powerful tool for national development and disaster prevention.
According to him, the theme highlights the direct link between observation, data collection, and the ability of societies to anticipate and respond effectively to weather and climate-related risks.
“Observing today is about gathering the right data and understanding our environment. Protecting tomorrow means using that information to make decisions that safeguard lives, businesses, and national assets,” he explained.
Call for National Awareness Drive
Dr. Asuman emphasised that one of the biggest challenges facing weather and climate services in Ghana is not just data collection, but ensuring that the information reaches the right audiences and is properly understood and utilised.
He noted that public education remains key to unlocking the full benefits of meteorological services.
“It is only when people become aware of weather and climate information that they can be protected by it. That awareness enables individuals and businesses to take informed decisions that can save lives, protect property, and reduce economic losses,” he stated.
Partnership with Media Critical
In this regard, the GMET Director-General expressed the agency’s readiness to partner with ZED Multimedia to deepen public education and awareness on weather and climate issues.
He described the collaboration as a strategic step toward bridging the information gap between meteorological institutions and the general public, as well as policymakers and key users of weather data.
According to him, such partnerships are essential in ensuring that critical information is not only disseminated widely but also presented in a manner that is accessible and actionable.
“We would like to work closely with ZED Multimedia to educate citizens, policymakers, and users of weather and climate information. This is a national call, and it requires collective effort,” Dr. Asuman noted.
He added that the responsibility of disseminating weather information should not be limited to a single institution, but rather seen as a shared national duty involving media organisations, government agencies, and other stakeholders.
Protecting Lives and Livelihoods
Dr. Asuman stressed that improved awareness and understanding of weather patterns can significantly enhance preparedness across sectors, including agriculture, aviation, construction, and disaster management.
He noted that with climate variability increasing, the need for accurate forecasts and effective communication has become even more urgent.
“From farmers planning their planting seasons to businesses managing supply chains, and even households preparing for extreme weather events, access to reliable information is critical,” he said.
Shared Vision for Public Education
The GMET Director-General expressed confidence that ZED Multimedia and its parent company share a common vision of empowering citizens through information.
He commended the media platform for its role in public education and urged sustained collaboration to ensure that weather and climate knowledge becomes part of everyday decision-making in Ghana.
As Ghana marks World Meteorological Day, the call for stronger partnerships and increased awareness underscores a broader national effort to build resilience against climate risks and protect the future through informed action today.
