We’re unable to perform well because we do not have money – Ghana Meteorological Agency
The Ghana Meteorological Agency has complained that it is cash strapped in its operations to bring out accurate weather information as the rains set in.
It attributed the situation to the failure of some state agencies to pay for services rendered to them by the Agency.
The defaulters include Ghana Airport Company Limited and Ghana Civil Aviation Authority which are, owing to the tune of US$ 80 million.
Head of Central Analysis & Forecast at Ghana Meteorological Agency, Felicity Ahafianyo revealed this while speaking on some of the difficulties being faced by the Agency.
“Some companies are owing to the Ghana Meteorological Agency, and they are not paying. I can say that Ghana Airport Company is not paying for the services we are rendering to them. The Ghana Civil Aviation Authority is also not paying us for the services we are rendering. They are not paying, but once in a while, they come and give us something. Meanwhile, they are owing us 80 million dollars,” she said.
Recent floods recorded in parts of the country led to the destruction of several properties.
The situation is mostly attributed to the lack of a well-equipped Meteorological Agency to help provide timely information to reduce mortalities recorded during floods.
But Felicity Ahafianyo maintains the refusal of these companies to honour their financial obligation is hampering their operations.
“Per our indication, we are doing well, but there is more room for improvement. In terms of equipment, they are very expensive, and the agency alone cannot do it. In terms of resources and cash, we are limited. But then, we have challenges, and we need cash. So if they don’t give us what they owe us, how do we improve?”
Parts of Accra were flooded after an hour of rain on Wednesday.
The Ghana Meteorological Agency has given indications of more such torrential rains within the rainy season.
