We’ll implement common alert protocol to enhance early warning systems — Sam George
The Minister of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has announced the government’s plans to operationalise a Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of early warning systems in the country.
The CAP is an international standard protocol designed to streamline the dissemination of emergency alerts and public warnings across various communication systems.
It provides a consistent format for delivering alerts related to all types of hazards, including natural disasters, public health crises, and technological incidents.
The minister has, therefore, instructed the National Communications Authority (NCA) to work closely with the Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet) to establish the necessary infrastructure and processes for CAP’s full implementation.
This was contained in a speech read on behalf of the minister by the Director-General of Administration at the ministry, Alfred Nortey, during the commemoration of World Meteorological Day and the launch of the 2025 Meteorological Awareness Month (MAM) in Accra, on the theme: “Closing the early warning gap together.”
Priority
The minister said investment in modern meteorological infrastructure, digital innovations, and improved data dissemination would also be prioritised to ensure that weather and climate information was accessible to all, especially vulnerable communities.
Mr Goerge said strengthening collaboration between GMeT and other relevant institutions would also enhance the country’s ability to anticipate and respond to climate-related challenges.
The minister also commended the management and staff of GMeT for their dedication, saying their efforts were critical to disaster risk reduction, agricultural planning, aviation safety and overall national development.
“As we work together to close the early warning gap, your role remains indispensable in ensuring a climate-resilient nation,” he added.
The Director-General of GMeT, Dr Eric Asuman, said his outfit was committed to strengthening inclusive early warning systems by working with disability-focused organisations to develop communication strategies that met the diverse needs of all citizens.
He said the agency was also exploring ways to integrate assistive technologies into its weather alert systems to ensure that persons with disabilities were not only recipients of information but also active participants in disaster preparedness and response.
“We learn from the examples of countries such as the US and the UK that have implemented a range of accessibility features, including weather alerts in braille and websites that provide real-time weather data in formats such as text-to-speech,” Dr Asuman said.
He entreated policymakers, emergency response agencies, media partners and disability organisations to work with GMeT in co-creating inclusive climate communication systems.