Ocean State Early-Warning Service for West Africa

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The ocean state early-warning service developed by the University of Ghana consortium offers artisanal fishermen and coastal residents three-day predictions of ocean conditions. The service provides information and ocean state maps in order to protect lives and property at sea from bad weather. 

Ocean state forecast alert for Ghana

The early warning alert is accessible via USSD shortcodes in Ghana (*920*88#) and Nigeria (*347*87#), as well as the GMES-UG mobile application available on android and iOS phones. In Ghana, the code works on all networks and it is free to access. On the other hand, the GMES-UG app provides all beneficiary countries ocean states forecasts and maps among other products.

Ocean State Map from the GMES-UG mobile App

In order to promote the early warning alerts developed, consultants for the University of Ghana consortium of the GMES & Africa programme paid a courtesy call on the Director General (DG) of the Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet) on 22nd June 2021, to deliberate on ways to promote the use of ocean state products developed by the GMES and Africa marine consortium in West Africa. The DG, Dr. Michael Tanu, who also doubles as the lead representative of directors of the National Hydrological and Meteorological Services in the West Africa region is part of the active proponents of the star-ship ocean state early-warning service.

The team of consultants comprising of Mr. Bennet Foli and Mr. Ignatius Kweku Williams, have as part of their responsibilities, to promote among various stakeholders the use of the ocean state early-warning service as well as a coastal ecosystem service developed by the University of Ghana. The short visit resulted in useful discussions on how to engage end-users via the meteorological agencies that form part of beneficiary countries in West Africa. Already GMet in collaboration with the GMES and Africa project produces daily marine forecast bulletins that are disseminated to key stakeholders in the marine and coastal environment.

Sample Coastal and Marine Forecast bulletin in Ghana

Dr. Tanu reiterated the importance of the early warning alerts for the coastal communities, especially the artisanal fishermen who make use of the information before embarking on their fishing activities.  Together with  Mr. Foli, who is an Oceanographer by profession, they agreed on organising online and physical meetings with the staff of the meteorological agencies in the sub-region.   During the meetings,  the participants will be introduced to the ocean state early-warning service as well as trained to use it to ensure safety at sea, safety at the coast and food security in the West African region.

Mr. Foli (right) in a confab with the Director-General of the Ghana Meteorological Agency (left)

Mr. Williams, an Environmental Scientist, troubleshoot issues with the computer system, aka PUMA Station,  that helps the meteorological agency in generating and disseminating some of their atmospheric and marine products. 

Mr. Williams (sitting position) troubleshooting the PUMA Station at Ghana Meteorological Agency

The University of Ghana consortium is working with the consultants to promote all products and services developed in the 12 beneficiary coastal countries in West Africa. “GMES, and Africa” is a continental Earth Observation program co-founded by the African Union Commission and the European Commission.

For more information: 
Contact: rmc@ug.edu.gh
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RegionalMarineCentre
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ug_gmes
Youtube: UG-GMES _Regional Marine Centre
Geoportal: https://geoportal.gmes.ug.edu.gh/








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