The Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet) has initiated a five-day community engagement tour to educate fisherfolk in Mepe and Ada on maritime and inland water safety.
The initiative, led by Mr. Joseph Tetteh Portuphy, Deputy Director of Synoptic Meteorology and Forecasting, aims to enhance the safety and well-being of these communities.
The GMet team conducted interactive sessions, demonstrations, and practical training covering essential safety measures, which were well-received by the fisherfolk. The sessions included:
- Weather Forecasting and Warning Signs: Educating fisherfolk on interpreting weather forecasts and recognizing warning signs to avoid dangerous conditions.
- Safe Navigation and Emergency Procedures: Teaching proper navigation techniques and emergency protocols to ensure safety on the water.
- Forecast Verification: Providing insights into the accuracy and reliability of weather forecasts.
- One-on-One Interviews: Engaging with individual fisherfolk to address specific concerns and provide personalized advice.
The fisherfolk actively participated in these sessions and expressed their gratitude for the timely intervention. They acknowledged the critical importance of safety awareness in their daily lives and requested more indigenous methods of forecast dissemination to make the information more accessible and understandable.
Mr. Portuphy assured the communities of GMet’s continuous support and monitoring to ensure that the newfound knowledge translates into lasting change.
The engagement tour will continue for the next four days, with visits to additional towns along the Volta Lake, further emphasizing GMet’s dedication to promoting safety.