Automatic weather stations to boost Ghanaian meteorological capabilities

The Ghanaian government has completed the installation of 10 automatic weather stations as part of its World Bank-backed E-Transform Project, helping to significantly improve the data gathering and weather prediction capabilities of the Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet). Prior to the new installations, GMet had operated using 22 synoptic weather stations, seven of which were manual. The data collected can now be transmitted to the GMet database in real time, enabling it to provide prompt, accurate data to its numerous clients and stakeholders. GMet received US$450,000 in funding for the E-Transform Project, US$100,000 of which will be reserved for a two-year maintenance program for the equipment. “The benefits to be derived from these automatic weather stations are enormous,” said Ghana’s communications minister, Ursula Owusu Ekuful. “This instrument is able to transmit data every 15 minutes and its data quality is very high and reliable, thus improving data collection and completely eliminating human errors associated with conventional instruments. “Standardized observation techniques enable the homogenization of observed data in regions where automatic weather observation is adopted across the globe. In addition, new observation elements can be added relatively easily by installing new instruments and sensors. “Optimal measuring instruments with the appropriate level of measurement accuracy for the required observation can be chosen, and the need for observer training will be eliminated.” GMet can now leverage a network of 25 automatic stations that can measure all the weather parameters needed for the agency’s operations. To view the original article click here: https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/ghana-meteorological-agency-gets-10-automatic-weather-stations.html