The initiative, which was in response to the United Nations Secretary-General’s call, seeks to safeguard every individual globally through a lifesaving early warning system by 2027.
It also seeks to create a collaborative network among all national fields with the aid to develop shared strategies for strengthening early warning for all systems, disaster risk reduction and to inform adaptation measures that build resilience against climate change.
The EW4All has been grouped into pillars: Pillar 1 – Disaster risk knowledge, Pillar 2 – Detection, observations, monitoring, analysis and forecasting of hazards, Pillar 3 – Warning dissemination and communication and Pillar 4 – Preparedness and response capabilities.
Speaking at the launch and a stakeholder consultative workshop of Ghana’s EW4All initiative, Mrs Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, the Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, expressed appreciation to Secretary-General of WMO for their response to Ghana’s interest to launch EW4All in Ghana.
She said the Ministry supervised Pillars 2 and 3 of the EW4All initiative in Ghana, focusing on Detection, Observation, Monitoring, Analysis and Forecasting of hazards, Warning dissemination, and Communication.
Mrs Owusu-Ekuful said as a country, the need for multi-hazard early warning systems played a crucial role in reducing vulnerability and increasing resilience of communities to potential hazards.
The Minister said the recent Akosombo dam crisis in Southern Ghana and prolonged dry spells in Northern Ghana had significantly threatened livelihoods and food security.
“Therefore, the EW4All initiative aligns with our ongoing efforts to strengthen early warning systems and build resilience,” she added.
The Minister said strengthened partnerships and collaboration of all relevant stakeholders would enhance capacities for the production and delivery of tailored weather, water, climate and early warning services.
Mrs Owusu-Ekuful said the successful implementation of EW4All required a structured approach, including logistical preparation, gap analysis, a comprehensive roadmap, resource mobilisation, securing political commitment and stakeholder coordination.
She added that the EW4All would support several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG3-Good health and Well-Being, SDG11-Cities and Communities, SDG13-Climate Action, SDG15-Life on land and SDG17-Partnerships for the Goals.
“Let us work together to ensure that every Ghanaian is protected by early warning systems. Together, we can build a safer and more sustainable future for Ghana,” she stressed.
Dr Eric Essuman, the Director-General, GMet, said Ghana, like many African nations, was highly vulnerable to the impact of climate change, including extreme weather events such as floods, dry cells, droughts, high temperature and storms.
He said EW4All aligned heavily with national priority to enhance disaster risk reduction and build resilience.
The Director-General said an effective multi-hazard early warning system must be accessible and inclusive for all segments of society, ensuring no one was left behind for appropriate actions before, during and after disasters.
“According to the UN Secretary General, it is high time to move beyond endless discussions as vulnerable countries need meaningful action,” he added.
He said by strengthening the early warning system, they could better protect life and livelihoods, minimise economic losses and ensure the sustainability of development efforts.
Dr Essuman said as the agency mandated to provide relevant weather and climate services, GMet would continue to strengthen its collaboration with all national pillars and other pillars, and other partners to enhance early warning systems.
GNA
