The Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet) has disclosed that climate-related disasters, particularly floods and droughts, cost Ghana an estimated $200 million every year, underscoring the growing economic burden of extreme weather events on the country.
The Deputy Director-General of GMet, Mr. Ignatius Williams, made this known during a courtesy visit by members of the Climate Beyond Borders Caravan (CBBC), an initiative of the People, Planet and Peace Foundation, to the agency’s headquarters in Accra.
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Williams noted that Ghana continues to experience increasing climate-related threats that not only result in substantial financial losses but also claim numerous lives annually.
He warned that the situation could worsen if investments in early warning systems and climate adaptation strategies are not significantly strengthened.
Highlighting recent disasters, Williams recalled that the 2023 spillage from the Akosombo Dam triggered widespread flooding, destroying livelihoods, displacing thousands of residents and causing economic losses estimated at approximately $141 million.
He also referenced the devastating June 2015 Accra floods, which resulted in the deaths of more than 200 people and led to food-related losses valued at about $108 million.
According to him, drought conditions recorded in 2024 affected more than 135,000 farmers and impacted over 571,000 hectares of agricultural land across the country.
Speaking on the agency’s mandate, Mr. Joseph Portuphy, Deputy Director for Synoptic Meteorology and Forecasting at GMet, said the institution was established to provide accurate, timely and dependable weather and climate information to support national development and public safety.
He explained that the agency fulfills its responsibilities through the collection, analysis, storage and dissemination of meteorological data that assists in disaster preparedness, economic planning and risk management.
Portuphy stated that GMet operates under the provisions of the Ghana Meteorological Agency Act, 2004 (Act 682), with a focus on delivering specialised weather forecasts and climate services to safeguard lives, property and key sectors of the economy, including aviation, agriculture and maritime operations.
He added that the agency also advocates the integration of climate information into national planning and policy frameworks to enhance resilience against environmental threats such as floods, droughts and rising sea levels.
Also speaking, Mrs. Felicity Ahfianyo of GMet’s Central Analysis and Forecasting Department said the agency has intensified efforts to align its operations with global standards established by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
She explained that all weather monitoring activities, data management procedures and equipment calibration processes are carried out in accordance with internationally recognised guidelines to ensure accuracy and reliability.
Ahfianyo further noted that GMet remains the country’s official source of weather and climate data and continues to make vital climate information accessible to researchers, policymakers and the public through its publications and information platforms.
Meanwhile, Chief Osim Kwatia II of the Amanor Krom Kingdom lauded participants of the Climate Beyond Borders Caravan initiative during a reception held at his palace.
The traditional ruler stressed the importance of collective responsibility in addressing climate change, urging governments, communities and development organisations to work together in safeguarding the environment.
He described climate change as a shared challenge that requires coordinated action and reaffirmed his support for initiatives aimed at promoting environmental sustainability.
According to him, preserving a clean, healthy and green environment can only be achieved through sustained cooperation and commitment from all stakeholders.
NAN
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