GMet urges churches, mosques to support community preparedness for El Niño impacts

The Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet) is encouraging religious institutions to assist in preparing communities for the potential effects of the developing El Niño phenomenon. These places of worship can serve as early warning systems and provide support during emergencies, helping to communicate weather information, educate members, and coordinate assistance for vulnerable individuals.

At a breakfast meeting organized by GreenFaith Ghana, GMet Deputy Director Francisca Martey emphasized the significance of coordinated preparedness and highlighted the potential impacts of El Niño on agriculture, water resources, electricity, public health, and infrastructure. She warned that food production could suffer due to prolonged dry spells and delayed rainfall, affecting crops such as cocoa, beans, maize, millet, and rice.

Water resources in the Volta Basin might decrease due to reduced rainfall, while electricity generation at hydropower facilities could be impacted by lower water inflows. Public health risks include heightened meningitis cases and heat-related illnesses, as well as cholera outbreaks. Infrastructure, fisheries, and livelihoods may also be affected by bushfires and reduced water levels in the Volta.

The El Niño phenomenon is expected to peak from October to December 2026, followed by a peak dry season in January to March 2027, with potential risks of meningitis, wildfires, and changes in marine fish catches. GMet recommends establishing a national El Niño task force, improved monitoring systems, promoting drought-tolerant crops, diversifying energy sources, pre-positioning emergency supplies, and engaging with regional and international institutions to strengthen preparedness.