CCCFS Partners GMet to Train Religious Leaders on Weather Forecast Interpretation

Accra: The Centre for Climate Change and Food Security (CCCFS), in collaboration with the Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet), has trained 15 religious leaders on interpreting weather forecasts, as part of the 'Early Warning for All' initiative (EW4ALL). This virtual training brought together participants from both Christian and Muslim communities, equipping them with the skills to interpret GMet weather forecasts.According to Ghana News Agency, the initiative is designed to enhance climate resilience and improve disaster preparedness by enabling religious leaders to disseminate critical weather information to their congregations. The training aims to position these faith leaders as key agents in promoting climate awareness and adaptation at the community level.Mr. Mahmud Mohammed-Nurudeen, the Executive Director of CCCFS, highlighted the significance of weather forecasts, particularly in an era where changing weather patterns are adversely affecting people's daily lives. He emphasized that extreme weather events have significantly impacted many Ghanaian communities, especially vulnerable groups, including schoolchildren in riverine and coastal areas."Religious leaders are key influencers in their communities, and by equipping them with the knowledge to understand and relay weather information, we are ensuring that more Ghanaians, particularly those in vulnerable regions, can take precautions against extreme weather events," he stated. Following the success of the training, CCCFS is considering expanding the program to include teachers and other key stakeholders across the country.The broader goal is to improve the resilience of vulnerable groups by increasing their awareness of climate risks and providing them with tools for effective response. Mr. Mohammed-Nurudeen reaffirmed CCCFS's commitment to climate education and adaptation and noted that the organization is actively seeking partnerships to scale its impact and reach more communities nationwide.Mr. Joshua Asamoah, a Senior Meteorologist at GMet an d facilitator of the training, highlighted the importance of collaboration between meteorological agencies, community leaders, and the public in addressing climate challenges. He noted that through training and knowledge-sharing, they could build a well-informed society capable of responding to the threats posed by climate change.Since its inception, CCCFS has consistently focused on training key community actors such as journalists, farmers, and religious leaders on climate and weather-related issues. In July 2022, under its Non-Profit Journalism Project, Ghana Journalists for Environment, Science, Health and Agriculture (GJESHA), the Centre trained 20 journalists on interpreting weather forecasts, further strengthening public communication on climate matters.