The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey Georg, has announced government plans to upgrade the Ghana Meteorological Agency into an Authority as part of broader reforms aimed at strengthening the country’s climate and weather monitoring systems.

According to the Minister, the proposed change is intended to expand the institution’s legal mandate and operational scope so it can better respond to the increasing demands placed on weather forecasting, climate monitoring, and disaster preparedness in Ghana.

He noted that extreme weather events, flooding risks, and changing rainfall patterns have made accurate forecasting and timely public communication more critical than ever.

Sam George made the announcement in Accra during the launch of the 2026 Meteorological Awareness Month and the presentation of the 2026 Seasonal Forecast for Southern Ghana.

“Weather hazards cannot be prevented, but their impact can be significantly reduced through early information, preparedness and responsible action. And one of the key things that we are doing in this legislative review is to actually upgrade the mandate of the Meteorological Agency from being an agency to an authority to give them more policy power.”

The event brought together policymakers, climate experts, emergency response institutions, aviation stakeholders, and representatives from the agriculture and maritime sectors, all of whom rely heavily on weather data for planning and safety.

The agency’s seasonal forecasts, early warning bulletins, and aviation weather services are considered essential tools for farmers, airlines, shipping operators, and urban planners.