The Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet) has proposed a new legislative framework to transform itself into the Ghana Meteorological Authority, introducing substantial new charges to fund its operations. This bill includes a 1.5% contribution on construction projects valued at GHS 500,000 or more, and various levies from the maritime sector.
GMet's proposal aims to strengthen meteorological governance, improve public safety, and enhance climate resilience in Ghana. The agency held a stakeholder engagement in Accra to gather feedback on the Ghana Meteorological Authority Bill, 2025. This elevation seeks to grant GMet full regulatory oversight over all meteorological activities in the country.
This initiative fits into Ghana’s broader economic plan to enhance critical national infrastructure and services. Reliable meteorological data is crucial for sectors like agriculture, aviation, and construction, which are key drivers of Ghana's GDP. The proposed financial structure aims to move GMet from reliance on direct government funding to a more self-sustaining model, aligning with ongoing efforts to reduce fiscal burdens and promote agency independence.
Dr. Ignatius Kweku Williams, the Deputy Director-General of Operations at GMet, stated that the bill seeks to elevate GMet into an Authority with full regulatory powers. He said this elevation would allow GMet to license and regulate meteorological operators. It would also establish national standards, enforce compliance, and protect the public from misleading weather information.
The new legislative framework will also introduce a mandatory licensing system for many meteorological activities. This includes weather forecasting, climate modelling, and the issuance of public weather alerts. Academic research and internal use of weather data will be exempt from these licensing requirements.
Key financial implications include the expansion of the National Meteorological Fund. The bill proposes significant contributions from several economic sectors. The construction sector will contribute 1.5% of the pre-tax contract value for projects exceeding GHS 500,000. These projects include roads, bridges, and telecommunications infrastructure. Additionally, a 2.5% consultancy fee will apply to all public construction contracts.
For the maritime sector, GMet proposes allocating 10% of the Ghana Maritime Authority's annual service charges. Other proposed revenue streams include 50% of port charges, 3% of pilotage charges, and 1% of terminal handling charges. These expanded revenue sources aim to provide sustainable financing for GMet's operations and infrastructure development.
Ms. Vivian Abla Kally, GMet's Deputy Director-General for General Services, highlighted that the bill represents a major institutional reform. She said it would modernise Ghana’s meteorological services and enhance public safety through stronger early warning systems. The bill also seeks to promote adherence to international standards and position meteorological information as a strategic national asset.
The bill also proposes severe sanctions for non-compliance, including fines of up to 10,000 penalty units for offences like operating without a license. It also includes potential imprisonment for up to three years for issuing unverified forecasts or forging licenses. These measures aim to ensure accountability and integrity within the meteorological sector.
If passed, the bill will significantly reshape the regulatory landscape for weather and climate services in Ghana. Decision-makers and affected industries will closely watch its progress through legislative channels. The financial markets will also monitor the potential impact of new levies on construction and maritime sectors.