Ghana Meteorological Agency Warns of Potential Rainfall Challenges and Flood Risks
The Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMeT) has issued a cautionary forecast for the upcoming September to November (SON) period, signaling potential disruptions in rainfall patterns across the country.
GMeT has highlighted concerns about localized floods in low-lying areas within the cities of Accra and Kumasi, as well as a heightened risk of heavy flooding in the northern region, partially attributed to expected high rainfall and the potential spillage of the Bagre Dam in Burkina Faso.
This forecast, disclosed in the annual SON report available to Bloomberg News, provides valuable insights into Ghana’s climate outlook.
Francisca Martey, Deputy Director and Head of Research and Applied Meteorology at GMeT, emphasized that the current rainfall pattern, as projected in the forecast, is not considered out of the ordinary. However, it warrants vigilance and preparedness.
Key highlights from the GMeT forecast include:
- Varied Rainfall Patterns: The SON rainfall is anticipated to be above normal for most regions in Ghana, with the exception of some southwestern areas around Asankragwa in the Western Region and the transition zones encompassing Kintampo and adjacent rainforest regions to the north, where rainfall is expected to be normal. The majority of the rainfall will manifest as light to moderate rain over extended periods, occasionally punctuated by heavy downpours.
- Localized Flood Risk: During the peak of the SON season, there is an elevated risk of localized floods, with the potential for heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds and lightning. GMeT underscores the possibility of flash floods, particularly in September and October, impacting low-lying parts of Accra and Kumasi, potentially rendering some roads impassable.
- Safety and Health Precautions: In response to the forecast, GMeT has urged authorities in disaster management to establish and activate integrated monitoring and early warning systems for flood risk. Coordination among agencies responsible for flood monitoring, disaster risk reduction, and humanitarian aid is imperative. Additionally, residents in flood-prone areas are encouraged to consider relocation. The forecast also highlights the heightened risk of waterborne diseases in regions with wetter rainy seasons, calling for intensified public education and collaboration among stakeholders.
- Agricultural Implications: Farmers, especially those in the eastern coastal areas, are advised to prioritize short-maturation crops given the anticipated shorter season. GMeT recommends investing in improved seed varieties and adopting yield enhancement techniques to mitigate potential production deficits resulting from dry spells toward the season’s end. Diversifying income-generating activities and implementing conservation practices are also endorsed to offset the impacts of potential post-harvest losses due to rain during harvest time.
- Climate Change Perspective: While experts acknowledge that climate change can influence rainfall patterns, Prof. Kwadwo Owusu, Director of the Centre for Climate Change and Sustainability Studies at the University of Ghana, reassured that the current situation is within the realm of normalcy. He noted that if the season follows the expected pattern, more rains should be expected until October, providing critical insight into the country’s climate stability.
The shift in Ghana’s rainfall patterns, attributed to global warming, carries significant implications for agriculture, food security, and the potential for natural disasters such as floods and droughts. Experts stress the importance of proactive measures and adaptive strategies to address these evolving challenges.
