The Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet) has proposed a new legislative framework to transform it into the Ghana Meteorological Authority, aimed at strengthening meteorological governance, improving climate resilience, and enhancing public safety.

The proposal was presented at a stakeholder engagement in Accra on the Ghana Meteorological Authority Bill, 2025, where inputs were collected before the bill is finalised.

According to Dr. Ignatius Kweku Williams, Deputy Director-General of Operations at GMet, the reform would give the new Authority regulatory powers to license and supervise meteorological operators, set standards, enforce compliance, and regulate weather and climate-related services in Ghana.

Under the proposal, the Authority would become the sole official issuer of severe weather warnings and public safety alerts, with other institutions restricted from issuing such alerts outside its framework. It would also introduce licensing for activities such as weather forecasting, climate modelling, remote sensing, data redistribution, and meteorological equipment installation and maintenance.

The Bill also proposes expanding the National Meteorological Fund to ensure sustainable financing, including existing aviation revenue sources and a new 1.5% levy on pre-tax contract values for construction projects worth GH¢500,000 and above.

An inter-ministerial framework involving 11 ministries is also outlined, covering sectors including environment, agriculture, transport, energy, finance, defence, and health.

The Bill introduces sanctions for offences such as operating without a licence, issuing unverified forecasts, falsifying documents, and disclosing confidential meteorological information.

Stakeholders at the engagement raised concerns about GMet’s dual role as operator and regulator, governance structure, funding proposals, and clarity of technical terms. Over 21 stakeholders submitted feedback.