United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) handed over 9 automated weather stations to the Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet) on Wednesday, May 6, to improve early warning systems and climate resilience in northern Ghana.

Funded by the Government of Japan, this equipment provides real-time meteorological data to assist with disaster preparedness and forecasting in regions prone to floods and droughts.

The donation is a component of a $750,000 project titled “Strengthening Resilience on Water-Related Disasters under Climate Change for a Sustainable Society in Ghana.”

These automated stations transmit data without manual intervention and are intended to fill gaps in the observation networks of the Northern, Savannah, North East, and Upper East Regions.

Mr Edmond Moukala N’Gouemo, UNESCO Representative to Ghana, described the handover as a significant milestone, noting that reliable data is essential for effective early warning systems.

He emphasised that these instruments prioritize anticipation and prevention over reactive responses.

Dr Eric Asuman, Director-General of GMet, stated that the automated systems increase the efficiency of data collection in resource-constrained environments.

He highlighted that GMet’s services are vital to sectors such as agriculture, aviation, and health, while calling for continued investment in meteorological infrastructure.

Madam Matila Akua Afriyie, a UNESCO Project Officer, explained that the initiative addresses infrastructure gaps highlighted by recent climate shocks, including the 2023 Akosombo Dam spillage and the 2024 drought.

The project aims to provide integrated early warning systems, high-resolution risk maps, and specialized training for personnel to better manage climate risks nationwide.