Bridging the Gap: Rescuing and Digitizing Historical Meteorological Records

Kofi Asare ^1* Nana Ama Browne Kluste ² Stephen Aboagye-Ntow ¹ Caroline Edinam Doe ^1,2 Antwi-Boasiako Amoah ³ Eric Assuman ⁴ Martin Addi ¹ Benjamin Adjetey Wemegah ^1,2

• ¹ Ghana Space Science and Technology Institute, Accra, Ghana
• ² University of Ghana, Accra, Greater Accra, Ghana
• ³ Environmental Protection Agency (Ghana), Accra, Ghana
• ⁴ Ghana Meteorological Agency, Accra, Ghana

This research article presents the findings of a data rescue and digitization initiative conducted in selected districts across Ghana, focusing on the Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet) archive and field stations. The study involved 200 stations, spanning 130 districts, with the primary goal of rescuing and digitizing climatological data. The number of Rainfall station network have reduced from 518 in 1976 to 87 in 2021, while temperature stations have decreased from 138 in 1976 to 40 in 2021. Through extensive data search at the GMet archive and fieldwork, data were successfully rescued, digitized and quality controlled, reducing the percentage of missing data gaps and enhancing data availability. The study encountered challenges including lack of proper record-keeping offices at observing stations, recently assigned observers unaware of historical data, insufficient station metadata, and faulty or broken equipment. Recommendations include regular audits by GMet to prevent data loss, development of comprehensive station records and metadata, implementation of efficient data transmission methods, transition to electronic data transfer systems, and upgrading manual stations to automatic weather stations (AWS).These measures are essential to improve the robustness and reliability of meteorological data collection in Ghana, which is critical for accurate weather forecasting, climate monitoring, and informed decision-making in various sectors.