Accra: The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), the Ministry for Communications and Digitalisation, Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet), and other relevant stakeholders have launched Ghana’s Early Warning for All (EW4All) initiative. The initiative aims to safeguard every individual globally through a lifesaving early warning system by 2027, in response to the United Nations Secretary-General’s call.
According to Ghana News Agency, the initiative seeks to create a collaborative network among national fields to develop shared strategies for strengthening early warning systems, disaster risk reduction, and informing adaptation measures that build resilience against climate change. The EW4All initiative is structured into four pillars: Disaster risk knowledge, Detection, observations, monitoring, analysis and forecasting of hazards, Warning dissemination and communication, and Preparedness and response capabilities.
Speaking at the launch and a stakeholder consultative workshop, Mrs. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, th
e Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, expressed appreciation to the Secretary-General of WMO for supporting Ghana’s interest in launching EW4All. She noted the Ministry’s role in supervising the second and third pillars of the initiative, emphasizing the importance of detection, monitoring, analysis, and communication of hazards.
Mrs. Owusu-Ekuful highlighted the recent Akosombo dam crisis and prolonged dry spells in Northern Ghana as significant threats to livelihoods and food security, underscoring the necessity of multi-hazard early warning systems. She stressed the importance of partnerships and collaboration among stakeholders to enhance capacities for delivering tailored weather, water, climate, and early warning services.
The successful implementation of EW4All, according to the Minister, requires a structured approach, including logistical preparation, gap analysis, a comprehensive roadmap, resource mobilization, political commitment, and stakeholder coordination. She emphasized that the
initiative would support several Sustainable Development Goals, including Good Health and Well-Being, Sustainable Cities and Communities, Climate Action, Life on Land, and Partnerships for the Goals.
Dr. Eric Essuman, Director-General of GMet, stated that Ghana, like many African nations, is highly vulnerable to climate change impacts such as floods, droughts, high temperatures, and storms. He emphasized that an effective multi-hazard early warning system must be accessible and inclusive for all societal segments. Dr. Essuman reiterated the UN Secretary-General’s call for meaningful action beyond discussions to protect vulnerable countries.
By strengthening the early warning system, Dr. Essuman believes they can better protect lives, minimize economic losses, and ensure the sustainability of development efforts. As the agency responsible for providing relevant weather and climate services, GMet will continue to collaborate with national and international partners to enhance early warning systems.
