Ghana and Denmark have formalized a strategic cooperation agreement aimed at enhancing the operations of Ghana's Meteorological Agency (GMet), particularly focusing on bolstering early warning systems. The agreement was officially sealed through a Memorandum of Understanding, with Mr Eric Asuman, the Acting Director-General of GMet, representing Ghana, and Madam Marianne Vendel Thyrring, the Director of the Danish Meteorological Institute, signing on behalf of the Denmark Embassy.
The key components of the cooperation include the development of a comprehensive Climate Atlas for Ghana, providing detailed insights into precipitation, global warming, and other critical climate variables. The data derived from the Climate Atlas will play a crucial role in informing planning, decision-making, and policy formulation processes.
Mr. Tom Norring, the Denmark Ambassador to Ghana, emphasized the global challenge of climate change, citing 2023 as the warmest year with an increase of 1.5 degrees in temperature. He highlighted extreme weather events, fire outbreaks, and droughts experienced worldwide. Notably, Denmark recorded a national precipitation level 25% above the climate norm. Ambassador Norring stressed the relevance of collaboration between private entities and development partners to address the impact of climate change.
Denmark expressed its commitment to supporting Ghana in the fight against climate change, particularly spearheading climate actions in crucial sectors like agriculture and food security. The Deputy Minister of Communication and Digitalisation, Ms. Ama Pomaa Boateng, affirmed the critical role of GMet in the national economy, providing essential services across various sectors, including Health, Agriculture, Aviation, Transport, Maritime, Energy, Water Resources Management, and Disaster Management.
The cooperation agreement aligns with nine key priority areas, including capacity-building, data management, Communication & Technology, and climate modelling, fostering the growth of GMet. Ms Boateng highlighted the integration of advanced meteorological instruments, satellite technology, and sophisticated modelling systems into GMet's processes, enabling accurate data collection and analysis.
To demonstrate the government's commitment, GMet is set to receive $5.5 million in support under the Ghana Digital Acceleration Project. The funding aims to digitize operations, expand the network of weather stations, transition to full automation, reform weather analysis processes, and integrate AI for more accurate forecasting.
Mr Asuman acknowledged Ghana's current experience of devastating impacts from climate change, such as scorching droughts and unpredictable rainfall patterns affecting agricultural and food security. He emphasized that the partnership with Denmark is not just about building resilience but creating a more prosperous, equitable, and sustainable future for Ghana.
Ms. Thyrring underscored the urgency of addressing climate change, highlighting the expected temperature increase of 2.3 to 5.3 degrees in Ghana by the end of the century. She emphasized the need for a long-term understanding of the impact through climate services and collaborative efforts in early warning and response systems to protect lives and properties.
The strategic cooperation between Ghana and Denmark marks a significant step towards fortifying meteorological capabilities and addressing the complex challenges posed by climate change. The partnership is poised to contribute to improved water supply, food security, and climate adaptation for the benefit of Ghana's citizens and the nation's sustainable development.