The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has officially launched the 2026 Meteorological Awareness Month with a presentation of the 2026 major rainy season forecast for southern Ghana.

The event forms part of activities marking this year’s World Meteorological Day under the theme; “Observing Today, Protecting Tomorrow.”

Mr. George said the theme highlights the importance of accurate weather observations in protecting lives and property.

He explained that strong data collection today helps the country prepare for floods, droughts and other extreme weather events tomorrow.

According to him, reliable weather information is important for farmers, traders, engineers, health workers and households across the country.

He stated that government is working to reposition the Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMET) as a centre of excellence in the sub-region.

He noted that plans are underway to review existing laws to give the agency more authority and align its operations with modern technologies such as artificial intelligence and big data.

The Minister disclosed that the Common Alerting Protocol has been integrated into major communication networks to ensure that verified weather warnings reach communities quickly.

He added that GMET’s alerts are now visible on major global weather platforms, which has increased Ghana’s visibility and credibility in weather forecasting.

Presenting the seasonal forecast, Mr. George said the rains in southern Ghana are expected to begin from the third week of February in most areas, while some places may experience delayed onset until early March.

He explained that some parts of the southwestern and eastern coastal areas may record below-normal rainfall between March and May, but rainfall is expected to improve between April and June.

He advised farmers to wait for steady rains before planting and urged residents to clear gutters to reduce flooding.

The Acting Deputy Director-General (General Services) of GMET, Vivian Abla Kally, said the Meteorological Awareness Month has grown into a major national campaign over the past three years.

She explained that the initiative was introduced to educate the public and improve understanding of weather and climate information.

She noted that meteorological services affect nearly every sector of the economy, including agriculture, aviation, water resources and disaster management.

According to her, while natural disasters cannot be prevented, early information can help reduce damage and save lives.

Ms. Kally said the 2026 seasonal forecast will serve as an important planning tool for farmers, disaster managers and policymakers.

She stressed that early warning and public education remain central to the agency’s mandate.

She added that the agency will continue to strengthen collaboration with stakeholders and expand public outreach to build a more weather-aware and climate-resilient Ghana.

The Director-General of GMET, Dr. Eric Asuman, said the Awareness Month is a national call to action to build resilience against climate change.

He emphasized that accurate observation is the foundation of reliable forecasting and warned that weak data systems could put lives and investments at risk.

He revealed that the agency is transitioning from manual to automatic weather stations to improve real-time data collection.

He also said GMET is digitizing its operations and preserving historical climate records to strengthen forecasting and research.

Dr. Asuman urged institutions, farmers and the media to use the seasonal forecast responsibly.

He said preparedness begins with information and protection begins with action.

The Board Chairman of GMET, Mr. Selasie Woanyah, said reform and modernization are necessary to improve public trust in the agency’s work.

He noted that the board is committed to improving communication and ensuring that weather information is clear and easy to understand.

The Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organization, Professor Celeste Saulo, commended Ghana for strengthening its early warning systems.

She said understanding weather and climate information helps countries plan better and save lives, adding that observing today is key to protecting tomorrow.