Report By: Ishmael Barfi
The Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet) has taken a significant step towards improving weather forecasting in Ghana with the introduction of the “Forecasting African Storms App” (FASTA).
This significant step is in partnership with Leeds University to launch the FASTA, a revolutionary tool designed to enhance location-specific forecasts, particularly in relation to nowcasting.
This innovative app is designed to provide accurate and reliable weather forecasts, enabling individuals, farmers, and businesses to make informed decisions about their daily activities.
According to GMet’s Director-General, Dr. Eric Asuman, the introduction of FASTA is a significant milestone in the agency’s efforts to improve weather forecasting in Ghana.
“The FASTA app will provide users with real-time information on weather conditions, enabling them to make informed decisions about their daily activities,” he said.
Dr Asuman made the announcement at the official introduction of the App when the GMet received its International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) 9,001 certificate at its Head Office in Accra held on 19th March, 2025.
The FASTA app is the result of research conducted by scientists at the University of Leeds and the National Centre for Atmospheric Science, in partnership with the Kenya Meteorological Department.
The app uses satellite data and ground-based observations to provide detailed forecasts of thunderstorms and heavy rainfall events.
The introduction of FASTA is expected to have a significant impact on various sectors of the Ghanaian economy, including agriculture, transportation, and construction.
Farmers, for example, will be able to use the app to plan their planting and harvesting schedules, while transportation companies will be able to use the app to plan their routes and avoid weather-related disruptions.
In addition to the introduction of FASTA, GMet is working closely with the Danish Meteorological Institute to develop a Climate Atlas, which will provide a projected outlook for Ghana over the next 50 to 100 years.
The agency is also expanding its calibration laboratory capacity to serve more regional and international clients.
The ISO 9,001 certification awarded to GMet is a testament to the agency’s commitment to quality management and excellence.
The certification process involved a rigorous audit, and GMet’s ability to trace equipment calibration to accredited laboratories was particularly noteworthy.
Meanwhile, Dean Moriarty, Lead Auditor TCG-UK indicated that, GMet has demonstrated a strong commitment to quality and excellence in service, with a robust quality management system in place.
Emphasizing that, “The agency’s ability to trace equipment calibration to accredited laboratories is particularly noteworthy.”
The certification is not a one-time achievement, but rather an ongoing process.
GMet will be subjected to annual audits to ensure that its quality management systems remain in place and continue to meet international standards.
The introduction of FASTA is a significant milestone in GMet’s efforts to improve weather forecasting in Ghana. The app has the potential to save lives, protect livelihoods, and support economic development.
With its commitment to quality management and excellence, GMet is well-positioned to continue providing accurate and reliable weather forecasts to the people of Ghana.
Source: www.thenewindependentonline.com
