Bridging the gap: rescuing and digitizing historical meteorological records

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 stations has reduced from 518 in 1976 to 87 in 2021, while the number of temperature stations have decreased from 138 in 1976 to 40 in 2021. Through extensive data searches at the GMet archive and fieldwork, data were successfully rescued, digitized, and quality-controlled, reducing the percentage of missing data and enhancing overall data availability. The study encountered challenges including a 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 further 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 for improving the robustness and reliability of meteorological data collection in Ghana, which is critical for accurate weather forecasting, climate monitoring, and informed decision-making across various sectors.