According to the Agency, many areas in southern Ghana continued to record rainfall as of late December, a development considered rare for the Harmattan period. Northern regions, which typically experience peak dry and dusty conditions during this season, have also recorded occasional rainfall.

GMet attributed the delayed Harmattan to significant fluctuations in the position of the Inter-Tropical Boundary (ITB), the zone where dry Saharan air meets moist maritime air. The Agency explained that the ITB has remained further north than usual, limiting the southward movement of dry Harmattan winds.

In addition, warm sea surface temperatures in the Gulf of Guinea have sustained moisture over the country, contributing to continued rainfall and higher humidity levels, particularly in southern areas.

Outlook for the first quarter of 2026

Looking ahead, GMet anticipates a generally weak Harmattan season during the first quarter of 2026, although the public is advised to remain alert for occasional episodes of severe conditions. In northern Ghana, atmospheric conditions are expected to become significantly dry and dusty, with reduced visibility compared to the south. Forest zones and parts of the coastal belt, however, are likely to continue experiencing localized rainfall due to ongoing ITB fluctuations and the influence of warm ocean temperatures, which are preventing dry air from fully dominating the southern sector.

Expected regional impacts

While northern areas may experience intermittent dust plumes, the coastal and middle belts are expected to have a mild dry season. Persistent moisture from the Gulf of Guinea is likely to result in higher humidity levels and fewer hazy days than normally associated with Harmattan. Consequently, the usual sharp drop in morning temperatures and extreme dryness of the skin may be less pronounced in southern Ghana, although occasional dust incursions may still occur when Saharan winds temporarily intensify.

In a statement signed by Acting Director-General Dr. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, the Service warned that the harsh weather could trigger various health risks, including skin dryness, dehydration, respiratory problems, eye irritation, and a higher risk of meningitis, given that Ghana lies within Africa’s meningitis belt.

The GHS advised the public to moisturize regularly with oil-based products, drink plenty of water, consume water-rich foods, and wear face masks in dusty conditions. People with asthma and other respiratory conditions were specifically urged to avoid dusty areas and limit outdoor activities.

Additional preventive measures include wearing sunglasses or protective eyewear, frequent handwashing, and seeking prompt medical attention if unwell.

The Service emphasized the Ministry of Health and GHS’s commitment to safeguarding public health during the harmattan season and urged citizens to follow the recommended safety precautions.

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Spanning from mid-December to late February, this season has once again pushed Ghana’s air quality into the red zone, according to air quality experts. Medics warn of a surge in respiratory-related health issues, particularly for those exposed to poor air conditions.

Recent data from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reveals alarming levels of air pollution. At Adabraka and the University of Ghana, the Air Quality Index (AQI) has exceeded 200, signaling a “very unhealthy” status. This poses a significant risk to everyone, especially vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions.

In Accra, sensors from Breathe Accra report dangerously high concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5). Markets like Makola and Agbogbloshie are shrouded in hazardous air.

For context, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a PM2.5 limit of 15 micrograms per cubic meter over 24 hours. However, some areas in Ghana are recording levels as much as 15 times higher, with even the minimum readings exceeding four times the safe limit.

This pollution comprises fine particles small enough to infiltrate the bloodstream and even reach the brain. The situation is further exacerbated by pollutants from vehicles and factories, compounding the health risks.

In response, the EPA has issued a public notice urging people to wear protective masks and limit outdoor activities. Vulnerable groups are advised to take extra precautions during this hazardous period.

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It has advised the general public to wear face masks and limit outdoor activities for children.

It also cautioned drivers to avoid over-speeding, especially at night.

Persons who experience any symptoms of respiratory disease like cough, chest pain, and others are also urged to seek medical attention.

Read press release below:

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The directive aims to mitigate the risk of bush fires as the Harmattan season approaches.

The Kwawu mountains, characterized by protective forests, have been historically susceptible to fires during dry seasons, mainly due to human activities.

However, collaborative efforts over the past three years involving Adom News, local authorities, and the Ghana National Fire Service have successfully prevented bush fires in the region.

Speaking to Adom News’ Akwasi Dwamena, Municipal Fire Commander, DO2 Samuel Mante, to understand the preparedness measures in place for combating bush fires, he outlined plans to conduct training sessions for farmers and individuals who regularly utilize fire in their daily tasks.

He sternly warned against setting fires in the forest, emphasizing that violators would face legal consequences.

He also mentioned that, there are environmental agents situated at various points in the district to detect fires and report perpetrators.

“This is the season where our attention is mostly on farmers, hunters and smokers due to the tendency of starting bush fires. We will sensitize them first so any one who is caught setting unpermitted fires in the bushes will be severely dealt with” he said.

DO2 Samuel Mante also mentioned that the abandoned fire tender which was in bad shape has been repaired to be on standby for emergency situations.

Traders, however, say they are unable to cash-in on the high demand due to limited supply of the commodity.

They point to unbridled foreign merchants who buy in bulk at prices the local traders cannot compete with. 

The Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMA) has predicted intense dry conditions in the coming weeks that may prevail until February. 

These dry weather conditions may be characterized by cloudless skies, and hot days across most parts of the country. 

These conditions leave people with dry and cracked lips, and skin, and an intense paleness. 

In this harmattan season, Shea Butter, referred to as “Nkuto”, is the traditional lotion and moisturizer in some Ghanaian homes, acknowledged as effective to contain the effects of the season. 

“I have been using Shea butter for my hair and body for a very long time, way before the harmattan. Just that the prices have shot up lately. The quantity I used to buy for Ghc 5 is now Ghc 10,” a patron said. 

The high patronage of shea butter this season often attracts other traders to divert to dealing in the commodity. 

Some traders in Kumasi have, however, decried the low supplies. 

Beatrice Kakari joined the business due to the high demand. She is worried her distributor sells to the highest bidders.

“ I used to sell pampers until I realized the profits my colleagues who sell shea butter were getting. So I diverted. The prices have shot up lately and it’s because some Chinese merchants have hijacked the shea butter trade from the production sites. And they buy the products without even negotiating. So our suppliers only give to those they can get high profits from,” she said. 

Ajara tells LuvNews her prices have shot up to over 200% to meet up her capital. 

She reveals the foreign merchants buy raw unprocessed shea butter products, leaving finite leftovers to be processed for sale to local traders.  

Her shelf is empty unlike previous seasons. 

“The Chinese merchants have destroyed our business. They buy the raw materials, the leaves, and the shea butter itself. I now have to sell the unit for Ghc 2 for Ghc 5 now, because i get limited supplies. Our distributors now give us a few quantity they get from gathering small quantities from the production site. My shelf would have been full by now,” she bemoaned. 

Serina Seidu laments the high prices are affecting her returns. 

“Prices were reasonable previously. But now the 3 units I used to sell for Ghc 2 are Ghc 5. And I am not getting enough of my profit. This favours only petty traders,” she started. 

The traders have appealed to the government to take bold measures to secure the local shea butter business.  

Shea butter is an ivory-colored fat that softens and hydrates the skin and protects it from damage from the environment.

It generally affects our skin in various ways such as dryness of the skin, chapped lips, an increase in the trigger of asthma, problems with the respiratory system among others. It is important to be aware and intentional about taking care of your skin. Here are steps to follow:

Hydrate

Drink lots of water at least a litre and half a day. This helps to flush out impurities and keeps your skin supple. Cut back on caffeine, carbonated drinks and eat lots of fruits and vegetables. Drink honey, lemon and ginger dissolved in warm water to soothe any throat irritation you might encounter.

Moisturise! Moisturise! Moisturise!

After showering, moisture. Your body and hair need a lot of moisturising oils this season. This is the right time to invest in natural oils like coconut oil, olive oil, shea butter, almond oil. Also, choose moisturisers with humectant and occlusive ingredients. Humectants draw moisture to the skin while occlusive seal moisture. Examples of humectants are hyaluronic acid, lactic acid, glycerin. Examples of occlusive are mineral oil and petrolatum.

Extra tip- Do not wait for your skin to dry completely before using your moisturiser because damp skin absorbs products more readily. Also, choose skincare products that are free from alcohol as alcohol dries out the skin.

Use lukewarm water to shower

Avoid hot showers as hot water strips the skin of its natural oil barrier and causes more dryness.

Exercise

Exercising helps you to maintain a healthy mind and body. It is a natural stress reliever, and it releases unwanted toxins from the body, which helps the skin glow.

Exfoliate

Use a gentle body scrub to help remove dead skin cells and let your glow shine. Excessive exfoliation should be avoided as this will strip the skin of its natural oil and this lead to dry skin.

Don’t forget your hands and lips

Your hands and lips are most vulnerable during the dry season. It is essential we have lip balm and hand lotion handy.

Wear a sunscreen

Sunscreen is essential at all times. Ensure to wear a sunscreen between 30-50 SPF.

Wear warm protective clothing

It is important to keep warm and protect your skin from severe weather conditions during the harmattan season. Also, wear covered footwear in order to avoid having cracked feet.

Double cleanse

Even if you do not wear makeup, it is essential to double cleanse during the harmattan season in order to wash off every speck of dust on your skin. 

Nose care

Aside from wearing masks in order to prevent COVID, masks also protect our nostrils from dust particles, so it is important to wear them during the harmattan season, especially when going to places prone to dust. 

Healthcare

People living with sickle cell are prone to having a crisis this period because of cold weather. In addition to that, asthmatic patients should endeavour to keep their inhalers close to them throughout this season and be on alert for any warning signs of an attack.

Makeup

Use less makeup. The harmattan season is not the time for a face beat. It is advisable to wear less makeup and if you must wear makeup, Prep your skin. Before applying anything else, make sure you prep your face with a good moisturiser because the last thing you want to do is apply makeup on dry, flaky skin.

Swap your matte foundation for a hydrating foundation that settles smoothly over your skin.

Matte lipsticks are beautiful but not so much when your lips become dry and chapped due to the harmattan. Therefore, use fewer lipsticks and more lip gloss or lip balm.

Wiping off your makeup at the end of the day is necessary. Even if you disobey the rule once or twice, you do not want to do that this season. The dry wind carries a lot of dust, keeping makeup on overnight means keeping all the dust and germs that have settled on your face during the day and this can cause acne inflammation. After wiping, ensure to cleanse thoroughly to get rid of makeup and dust from your face.

It isn’t only your body that feels the effect of the harmattan season, your hair does too.

Your hair can feel very dry and brittle. It doesn’t look as good and as healthy.

Here are some hair care tips for the season:

1. Moisturise and seal

You should be moisturising your hair a lot during this season.

Use a leave-in conditioner, and thick creams like shea butter to moisturise your hair and seal it in with extra virgin olive oil, Jamaican black castor oil, or peppermint oil.

You can also use a hair spritz that packs oil, conditioner and water to give your hair the required glow.

2. Co-wash instead of shampooing

Shampoos, especially sulphate-based ones, are the worst things for your hair this season because they eliminate much-needed moisture.

The next best option is to co-wash using a cleansing conditioner. It won’t deplete your hair of moisture but it will condition it.

3. Pre-poo before washing

Pre-pooing moisturises your hair before actually washing it since we know shampoos can cause damage. You can use olive oil, coconut oil, honey, banana, and yoghurt to pre-poo.

4. Use a lot of oil on your hair

Be liberal with oil and oil-based products, massage your scalp deeply with it.

5. Make protective styles

This is the most important thing. You have to protect your hair from environmental damage. Use wigs, braids and twists to protect your hair.

Do not also forget to sleep with a silk bonnet.

The flu or influenza is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by the influenza A, B and C virus.

This virus affects the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs.

It leads to coughing, sneezing, fevers, headaches, and diarrhoea in some cases. It can feel mild or get pretty severe and deadly.

The flu virus is spread by tiny droplets that come out of people’s mouths when they cough or sneeze or talk and when they land on different surfaces.

When people touch infected surfaces and then touch their eyes, nose or mouth, they get the flu too.

Right now in Nigeria, it feels like we have officially entered the flu season. Almost everyone has or is recovering from the effects of the flu.

We cannot deny that the increase in the transmission of the flu coincides with the harmattan period. When the temperature is colder, the spread of the flu increases tenfold, research shows.

Why is this?

1. The colder the temperature is, the longer these viruses linger on surfaces, making it easier for those who come in contact to contract them.
2. The harmattan period or winter for those in other climes is the holiday season where many people are at home with family and this can cause the flu to start going round between them. 
3.  If the temperature is cold the air gets dry and that leads invariably to your mucous membrane being dry.
4. When ultraviolet rays are reduced by fog or dust, the spread of the virus increases. This is because researchers have discovered that the proportions of UV light kill the virus.