GMet warns of possible drop in Volta River inflows amid El Niño conditions

The Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet) has warned that persistent El Niño conditions could reduce water inflows into the Volta River, potentially affecting hydroelectric power generation at the Akosombo Dam. El Niño, the warm phase of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), is a naturally occurring climate phenomenon that influences rainfall and temperature patterns across different parts of the world. Deputy Director of Research and Applied Meteorology at GMet, Francisca Martey, said below-normal rainfall expected across parts of West Africa could affect water resources shared by Ghana and neighbouring countries. She explained that the phenomenon was influencing rainfall patterns, resulting in prolonged dry spells and warmer conditions in parts of Ghana.

She noted that the impact extended beyond Ghana, as neighbouring countries within the wider West African region were also expected to experience below-normal rainfall. “It means that those people in our other countries also get below-normal rainfall, which affects our water resources,” she said on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Monday, November 2, while discussing the phenomenon. The host raised concerns that reduced rainfall could lead to lower inflows into the Akosombo Dam and, consequently, affect electricity generation from hydroelectric sources. Mrs Martey agreed, highlighting the potential implications of the weather phenomenon for Ghana’s water and energy resources. Read Also: GMet warns of possible drop in Volta River inflows amid El Niño conditions The warning comes as Ghana prepares for a period of prolonged dry conditions, with GMet projecting above-normal temperatures and below-normal rainfall in the coming months. Mrs Martey said the agency had already forecast extended dry spells and reduced rainfall…