EcoClub 360, in partnership with the Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) and the Embassy of Denmark in Ghana, engaged key stakeholders from various sectors in the Shai-Osudoku District of the Greater Accra Region.
The dialogue focused on ensuring an inclusive, collective, and bottom-up climate action approach through the initiative, “Amplifying Climate Solutions for Sustainable Development and Democratic Governance.”
This project aims to highlight actions by key actors addressing climate change challenges, fostering informed decision-making as Ghana prepares for the 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections.
Under the theme “Amplifying Climate Solutions for Sustainable Development and Democratic Governance: The Role of Stakeholders in Advancing a Green Future,”
Ms. Patience Ahiabor, Founder and Executive Director of EcoClub 360, emphasized the impact of climate change on food insecurity, health challenges, education disruption, and social cohesion. She noted that these issues could heighten tensions as Ghana heads to the polls in December 2024.
Ms. Ahiabor stressed the importance of collaboration in tackling climate change and highlighted the dialogue’s goal of showcasing climate interventions needed in the Shai-Osudoku District to foster a resilient and sustainable future.
Mr. George Opare Asare, a member of the EcoClub 360 Steering Committee, delivered a presentation that broadened participants’ understanding of climate change, sustainable development, and democratic governance. He explained that climate change can disrupt social cohesion, leading to unrest, conflict, and community displacement.
Mr. Asare identified challenges the government faces in addressing climate change, such as uncoordinated policies, limited stakeholder engagement, and inadequate funding.
He praised EcoClub 360 for addressing the challenge of limited stakeholder involvement and called for urgent action, including climate adaptation and mitigation measures like renewable energy, efficient energy use, waste reduction, water management, and early warning systems for adverse weather conditions.
Mr. Asare also highlighted the importance of international cooperation and climate governance, referencing the Paris Agreement and Ghana’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). He urged everyone to become climate advocates by using social media and digital platforms to share vital climate information.
During the dialogue, participants raised concerns about the lack of local climate policies and grassroots engagement in the Shai-Osudoku District.
Mr. Derick Sarfo-Yiadom from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) briefed participants on the National Adaptation Plan, which ensures district-level and sector-based contributions. He encouraged participants to provide input to the process.
Nana Asante Boateng, the District Director of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), expressed concern about rising deforestation rates and the loss of biodiversity, particularly in the Dodowa Forest. He called on regulatory authorities to review permit processes to promote tree planting and greenery initiatives.
He attributed the low success rate of tree-planting efforts in the district to poor maintenance culture.
Mr. Kofi Osei Addy from the Asaseyaa Foundation shared his experiences educating communities on tree planting and emphasized the importance of nurturing trees to maturity. He called for behavioral change toward environmental stewardship and recognized the contributions of the District Director of Education, Mrs. Harriet Lomotey, in raising climate change awareness among students. H
e also acknowledged the support of the District Agric Unit and the Forestry Commission in promoting tree planting and awareness initiatives in schools.
Rev. Ebenezer Asiamah, the District Director of Health, warned of the health risks posed by deforestation and the invasion of animal habitats, which could lead to disease outbreaks such as mpox.
He also noted the impact of industrial and residential activities on food scarcity and livelihoods in the district. Rev. Asiamah attributed respiratory infections among rice farmers to agrochemical use and highlighted UNICEF’s efforts in educating farmers on these risks.
Mr. Sarfoh-Danquah from the Strategic Youth Network for Development (SYND) emphasized the need for tailored climate education for different demographic groups, particularly children and the elderly, to ensure inclusive climate awareness. He also stressed the importance of accurate information in climate advocacy.
The stakeholders expressed appreciation to the organizers for creating a platform to facilitate dialogue and coordination among key stakeholders. They reaffirmed their commitment to empowering vulnerable populations, including young people, with adaptation, mitigation, and resilience measures.
The following institutions participated in the Inter-Sectoral Key Stakeholders Dialogue: the Forestry Commission, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Shai-Osudoku District Assembly, Ghana Education Service (Shai-Osudoku District Directorate), Asutsuare Senior High Technical School (OSUTECH), Ghana Health Service (Shai-Osudoku District Directorate), Strategic Youth Network for Development (SYND), Kasa Initiative Ghana, Renewable Energy for Communities Coalition, Blue Ice Water Company, Zoomlion Ghana Ltd., and the media, among others
