UN early warnings for all initiative launched in Accra

In a significant step towards enhancing resilience against natural hazards and climate change impacts, the country has adopted the UN Early Warnings for All (EW4All) initiative.

It aims at ensuring that the world was protected against climate change effects by 2027.

The initiative, which was launched by the UN, was also in response to growing global vulnerabilities to extreme weather events and climate-related disasters.

By joining the initiative, the country is set to enhance its disaster response and management systems, heighten community awareness, and collaborate with international organisations to integrate advanced technology into its early warning infrastructure.

This would help minimise loss of lives and property, while strengthening the resilience of communities most vulnerable to climate impacts.

In line with that, the Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMeT) yesterday organised a consultative workshop in Accra to, among others, review the current state of early warning systems in the country and evaluate the progress in the implementation of the EW4All.

Participants in the four-day workshop would also identify key challenges and barriers to effective, accessible and coherent early warnings, and recommend targeted actions to overcome them.

Significance

The Minister of Communication and Digitalisation, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, said through the initiative, the country would not only benefit from international support, but also contribute to regional climate resilience, positioning GMeT as a leading force in Africa’s meteorological advancement.

She highlighted the agency’s evolution from an underfunded agency to one of the most critical and well-resourced entities under her ministry.

“Until recently, GMeT was one of our least resourced agencies despite its crucial role in various sectors. Now with investments in equipment, staff and strategic partnerships, we are empowering GMeT to meet the demands of climate service delivery in Ghana,” the minister said.

She said the success of GMeT’s mission was in the ability to translate scientific data into actionable steps for communities.

“No matter how much money we spend or the plans we create, if we don’t transform information into action, we fail our communities,” Mrs Owusu-Ekuful added.

National priorities

The Director General of GMeT, Dr Eric Asuman, said the initiative aligned perfectly with national priorities to enhance disaster risk reduction and resilience.

”I am excited when I reflect on the goal of EW4All initiative which seeks to create a collaborative network among all national pillars for the development of shared strategies to strengthen Early Warning System (EWS), disaster risk reduction and adaptation of measures that build resilience against climate change,” he said.

Dr Asuman further said that by strengthening early warning systems, the country would protect lives and livelihoods, minimise economic losses and ensure sustainable development.

“As the agency mandated to provide relevant weather and climate services, GMeT will continue to strengthen its collaboration with all national pillars and other partners to enhance early warning systems, informing decision-making, policy development and climate adaptation and resilience efforts,” he said.