The Ghana Meteorological Agency has organised a two-day media training for some media practitioners and stakeholders on flood, drought and early warning for Climate Change adaptation.
The training and engagement was centered on integrating flood and drought management and early warning for Climate Change adaptation in the Volta basin in the country.
Addressing the participants, the acting director general for the Ghana Meteorological Agency, Mr. Eric Asuman noted that the purpose for the training of media practitioners and stakeholders engagement was to provide a comprehensive understanding on the Voltalarm early warning system and key features of alert delivery system, as well as identifying technologies and methods; both traditional and modern, for rapid and reliable transmission of alerts, adaptable to local contexts, creating and evaluating a communication strategy that encompasses the entire alert dissemination process, from the generation of alert bulletins to their delivery to communities at risk,facilitating feedback on the use and operationalization of VOLTALARM products among others.
“The primary objective of this workshop is to delve into the existing alert dissemination mechanisms and evaluate the communication strategy for conveying alerts and messages related to climate, water, and weather forecasts. Specifically, our goals for the workshop include:
- Providing a comprehensive understanding of the VOLTALARM Early Warning System (EWS) and key features of alert delivery systems.
- Identifying technologies and methods, both traditional and modern, for rapid and reliable transmission of alerts, adaptable to local contexts.
- Creating and evaluating a communication strategy that encompasses the entire alert dissemination process, from the generation of alert bulletins to their delivery to communities at risk.
- Facilitating feedback on the use and operationalization of VOLTALARM products”
Mr Eric Asuman added the Ghana Meteorological Agency was supported by distinguished organization such as the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the Volta Basin Authority (VBA), the Global Water Partnership in West Africa (GWP-WA), to organize the very all-important workshop here in Tamale and was hopeful that have distinguished GMet Governing Board, led by the Board, the representatives from the Ghana Hydrological Authority (HYDRO), the Ghana Water Recourse Commission (WRC), the main purpose will be achieved the important initiative.
He added that the Volta Flood And Drought Management VFDM project, is been financed by the Adaptation Fund, stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of international organizations committed to addressing the challenges posed by climate change in the Volta Basin. Originally slated for completion in June 2023, the project’s scope has been extended to June 2024, reflecting the dedication to achieving lasting impacts in flood and drought management.
Under the VFDM project, our collective focus is on enhancing the national response to flood risk information and warnings. This requires improved coordination among national hydrometeorological services, disaster risk management authorities, and other relevant stakeholders.
The program also seeks to foster and increased collaboration, which aims to strengthen the communication and dissemination of hydrometeorological warnings to vulnerable communities, facilitating early action measures.
George Isaac Amoo, the board chairman of the Ghana Meteorological Agency also noted that The Volta Flood and Drought Management (VFDM) is a testimony to the collective commitment to addressing the challenges posed by climate change in the Volta Basin, which initiative, supported by the Adaptation Fund, reflects our dedication to enhancing flood and drought management strategies for the betterment of our communities.
Participants were drawn from the media, Agriculture, National Disaster management Organization (NADMO), Traders, fisheries.
Source:mywordfmonline.com/Gaspard Ayuureneeya