With Ghana ranked as the 72nd most climate-vulnerable country by the World Bank and also considered a religious country, Greenfaith Africa says the country cannot pray its way out of climate change and its attendant challenges if action is not taken.
Already, the impact of climate change is felt from every corner of the country.
In Ghana’s north, the temperatures have become hotter than before.
The area is equally experiencing unpredictable weather patterns, a situation that is making it difficult for efforts to ensure food security. Rising sea levels are being experienced equally in coastal areas, with homes being taken over by the sea.
It is on this score that GreenFaith Africa-Bolgatanga Circle has petitioned the government with a call for immediate action to address the challenges.
Assessing the situation in the Upper East Region, the organization says climate change is affecting women, and farmers and leaving communities more vulnerable.
“It is disturbing that the region that is known for its vibrant agriculture is now grappling with erratic rainfall and prolonged dry spells, rising temperatures and heat waves, reliance on polluting energy sources, and deforestation.”
In a petition to the government through the Upper East Regional Minister, GreenFaith Africa-Bolgatanga Circle called for the prioritization of investment in clean energy for rural communities, support for women-led clean cooking initiatives, protection of farmlands and water bodies and among other things. The organization further called on the government to ensure climate funds reach rural communities.
During a Climate Walk before presenting the petition last Friday, members of the Circle held placards some of which read “Your food, your future: demand clean energy.” “Communities must lead the climate movement.” “God gave us the earth, let’s not destroy it, we can’t pray climate change away- we must act now!”. The Bolgatanga Circle through the President, Felicia Baan, called for immediate action to tackle Climate Change.
“While we commend the government for appointing a Minister of State in charge of Climate Change and Sustainability, we urge bolder action: Prioritize investment in clean energy for rural communities —expand solar-powered irrigation systems and renewable energy for food production to reduce reliance on climate-vulnerable rain-fed farming. Support women-led clean cooking initiatives —Provide subsidies for clean cookstoves and alternative fuels to reduce indoor pollution and save women’s time, Stop destructive energy policies – Shift funds from fossil fuel expansion into renewable energy solutions that benefit smallholder farmers and local economies, protect farmlands and water bodies: Enforce strict laws against deforestation, and land degradation, while promoting agroecology and tree-planting initiatives, ensure climate funds reach rural farmers -Allocate resources for smallholder farmers to access climate-resilient seeds, irrigation, and sustainable farming practices. Climate change is not just a government issue it is a collective responsibility. Every Ghanaian must commit to protecting our environment and shifting toward clean, fair, and sustainable energy solutions. “
While receiving the Petition on behalf of the Regional Minister, Al-hassan Ibrahim Abdul-Kadr, Regional Economic Planning Officer and Acting Regional Coordinating Director, noted that Climate Change is of concern to the government, adding he is optimistic that efforts will be made to pay attention to issues of climate change.
