Residents of Akosombo in the Eastern Region, have expressed worry over changes in the weather patterns that had resulted in the unprecedented rise in local temperatures.

According to the residents, who spoke to a team of journalists at Akosombo, the weather had become very hot lately that one hardly slept without a fan or other means of cooling the room.

They observed that the excessive heat had also changed the rainfall pattern as it hardly rained, and even the rainy season had changed making it difficult to predict the seasons for planting and other related activities.

Ms Joyce Abro, one of the residents, told the GNA that she had lived in Akosombo for the past 20 years and recalled that many years ago, Akosombo had low temperatures and a predictable rainfall pattern.

She said “rainy seasons were known so one was able to prepare well for any activity but these days, it is hardly so because it only rains when you are not prepared for it”, she added.

Mr Fred Kusi, who is also a resident, who had lived in Akosombo all his life except for schooling periods, observed that the weather had become hotter than it used to be, whiles rainfall is no longer predictable.

According to him, some years ago, he never anticipated using a fan in his room but now because of the “excessive heat, I am forced to install an air conditioner in my room to neutralize the heat” he said.

The team also visited the Akosombo Dam where it was made known that the Volta River Authority (VRA) has as part of measures to adapt to the climate change instituted a tree planting programme along the Volta Lake in partnership with the adjoining communities.

The team of journalists selected from all parts of the country, are being schooled on climate change reporting to create the awareness on the effects of climate change on socio-economic development and the need to adapt.

The three-day workshop is organised by the African Adaptation Programme (AAP) based in Kenya and the Washington based International Centre for Journalists (ICFJ).**