The call was made as Ghana continues to experience increasing weather variability, including heavy rainfall events and flooding, which have exposed gaps in early warning systems and disaster preparedness.
Speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, Principal Meteorologist Nana Kofi Opoku explained that accurate forecasting depends heavily on robust observation networks, modern radar systems, and well-distributed weather stations.
He stressed that the more data collection points available, the more reliable weather prediction models become.
“The more observation networks we have, the better we are able to get data, and the better the models will run to generate a forecast,” he noted.
He further emphasized the importance of radar technology, which provides high-resolution tracking of storm systems, helping predict when and where severe weather will hit.
According to the agency, Ghana has made some progress in expanding its network, including recent support from UNESCO, which provided nine automatic weather stations. However, the current infrastructure remains insufficient.
Mr. Opoku noted that Ghana once had nearly 600 weather stations, but poor maintenance and logistical challenges reduced the number significantly over time, with current operational stations estimated at just over 150.
He said the agency aims to restore the system to at least 600 well-equipped stations nationwide to ensure effective coverage and forecasting capacity.
The Meteorological Agency also warned that rapid urban development, poor drainage systems, and increased construction on waterways are worsening flooding risks, particularly in urban areas like Accra.
It called for stronger urban planning enforcement, improved drainage infrastructure, and increased public education on disaster risk reduction.
Mr. Opoku cautioned that a single flood event could erase years of household investment, urging collective action from citizens, local authorities, and national institutions to reduce vulnerability to climate-related disasters.
