In a groundbreaking approach to climate education and disaster preparedness, the Centre for Climate Change & Food Security (CCCFS) has partnered with the Ghana Meteorology Agency (GMet) to equip religious leaders with the skills to interpret and disseminate weather forecasts.
The initiative, part of the global “Early Warning for All” campaign (EW4ALL), is reframing the fight against climate change by leveraging the trust and influence of faith leaders.
Fifteen Christian and Muslim leaders from across the country took part in a virtual training facilitated by GMet meteorologists. The session was designed to bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and community awareness, empowering these leaders to become vital channels for early warning and climate adaptation messages.
“Religious leaders hold unique positions of trust and influence in Ghanaian society,” said Mr. Mahmud Mohammed-Nurudeen, Executive Director of CCCFS. “By arming them with accurate weather information and the skills to interpret forecasts, we are unlocking a powerful force for grassroots climate resilience.”
Ghana continues to face the growing threat of extreme weather events, from floods to heatwaves—conditions that often catch communities unprepared. Children living near rivers and coastal zones are among the most vulnerable. CCCFS believes that integrating climate communication into spiritual spaces will reach those who may not otherwise access weather alerts or understand their implications.
This training is just one step in CCCFS’s broader strategy to democratize access to climate information. Mr. Mohammed-Nurudeen noted that the organization plans to extend similar training to teachers, farmers, and other community stakeholders across Ghana, building on previous successes such as the 2022 workshop that trained 20 journalists under the Ghana Journalists for Environment, Science, Health and Agriculture (GJESHA) initiative.
“Climate adaptation starts with knowledge,” he said. “The more people understand the risks, the better they can respond. That’s why we’re looking to scale up this work with support from partners nationwide.”
Mr. Joshua Asamoah, a Senior Meteorologist at GMet and the lead facilitator for the training, stressed the importance of collaboration. “Weather forecasting is only as effective as its reach. We need to work with leaders who can take this information into the heart of their communities.”
The training also highlights a growing recognition that effective climate action must be inclusive—bringing together scientists, policymakers, community voices, and now, faith leaders. In doing so, Ghana is setting an example for how local leadership can be mobilized to create a more climate-resilient society.
As CCCFS continues to expand its mission, it is calling on civil society organizations, development partners, and government institutions to join hands in building a climate-smart future—one congregation, one classroom, and one community at a time.
