News
Sam George launches the 2026 Meteorological Awareness Month; presents the 2026 seasonal forecast for southern Ghana
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.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Tema Regional Police Command has arrested a 30-year-old driver, Bismark Kpormeno, for possession of a large quantity of compressed plant materials suspected to be Indian hemp.
The arrest was made on Sunday, 31 May 2026 by officers of the Tema Highway Patrol Unit during an operation along the Tema-Ada road.
According to police, the suspect was driving a Hyundai Mighty I container truck and failed to stop when signaled. He attempted to evade arrest but was pursued and apprehended at Bondase.
A search of the vehicle revealed twelve 12 sacks and eighty 80 parcels of compressed plant materials concealed in a container and wrapped in sellotape.
Preliminary investigations show the narcotics were allegedly loaded at Kpeve in the Volta Region and were being transported to Ada.
The suspect is currently in police custody assisting with investigations. The truck and exhibits have been impounded for evidential purposes.
The Tema Regional Police Command says it remains committed to combating drug trafficking and other criminal activities.
They also urged the public to support law enforcement by providing timely and credible information on suspicious activities.
Firefighters from the Peki Fire Station of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) responded swiftly to a fatal head-on collision involving a Mercedes-Benz container truck (WR 1553-C) travelling from Nkwanta to Accra and a Mercedes-Benz passenger bus (GR 3215-E) travelling from Battor to Kabiti in the Oti Region.
The crash occurred at Peki-Tsame near Peki Senior High School in the early hours of Tuesday, 2nd June 2026.
A total of forty (40) persons were involved, comprising twenty-one (21) males, fifteen (15) females, and four (4) children.
Through a coordinated rescue operation, firefighters extricated 25 injured casualties, including 23 adults and two children.
Sadly, 15 persons lost their lives, made up of nine males and 6 females.
The injured were conveyed to the Peki Government Hospital for treatment, while the deceased were handed over to the Police, who conveyed them to the hospital mortuary for preservation and further investigation. The cause of the accident remains under investigation.
The Ghana National Fire Service has extended its deepest condolences to the bereaved families and urges all motorists to observe road traffic regulations, avoid dangerous driving practices, and exercise maximum caution on the roads to help prevent accidents and save lives.
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