Ghana is facing significant climate change challenges that threaten to derail its development progress if not urgently addressed. Environmental issues such as illegal mining, poor waste management, and industrial emissions are constant threats to the country’s natural resources. Despite several policies aimed at mitigating these problems, the government’s response has been insufficient, signaling a need for more robust climate action.
Political parties in Ghana, as potential future leaders, must play a pivotal role in addressing these climate challenges. As they campaign for the December 7, 2024, elections, it is crucial that their manifestos clearly outline strategies for both climate adaptation and mitigation. These strategies should align with international frameworks like the UNFCCC, which emphasize both reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate impacts. Effective climate policies in party manifestos will be vital for ensuring a climate-resilient future for Ghana.
Boosting Climate Change Awareness: A Key Task for Political Parties
Climate change awareness is notably lacking in Ghana, with a 2022 survey by Afrobarometer showing that over half of the population is unfamiliar with the issue. Even among those who are aware, there is often confusion about the reliability of the information available. To tackle this, political parties need to focus on elevating public understanding of climate change. Their campaign platforms should detail strategies for improving climate literacy, such as incorporating climate education into school programs and community initiatives. By doing so, they can help ensure that more Ghanaians are informed and equipped to engage with climate issues effectively.
Addressing Environmental Damage: Tackling Illegal Mining and Deforestation
Illegal mining, or “galamsey,” along with unauthorized logging and other deforestation practices, has caused severe environmental degradation in Ghana, including loss of forest cover and contamination of water sources. Despite ongoing governmental efforts to curb these activities, progress has been minimal. Political parties should prioritize strengthening the enforcement of mining regulations, especially those restricting foreign participation in small-scale mining. Effectively addressing these issues is crucial for protecting Ghana’s environment and advancing sustainable development.
Enhancing Climate Finance for Agriculture and Development
Ghana’s economy is deeply dependent on agriculture, which provides over 90% of the country’s food supply, contributes more than 40% of export revenues, and accounts for 54% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This sector is highly vulnerable to climate change, making it crucial to build resilience to secure food, reduce poverty, and support economic growth. To meet climate goals and broader development needs, substantial climate finance is required. Political parties must clearly outline in their manifestos how they plan to mobilize and manage funds for climate adaptation and mitigation efforts, specifying the sources, methods, and timelines for these financial strategies.
Reducing Plastic Waste: A Key Priority
The environmental impact of single-use plastics, which are derived from fossil fuels and contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, poses serious challenges. Ghana currently has a plastic waste collection rate of 49%, with a large portion mismanaged and causing pollution. To mitigate these effects, political parties must include clear strategies in their manifestos for phasing out single-use plastics and promoting green packaging alternatives. This should involve supporting initiatives to reduce plastic use and enhance waste management practices to tackle plastic pollution effectively.
With Ghana’s population growing, political parties must address sustainable urban development by focusing on green spaces, eco-friendly public transport, and energy-efficient buildings. They should also tackle waste and water resource management issues.
Parties need to outline strategies for enhancing climate resilience, including investing in infrastructure that can withstand floods, droughts, and coastal erosion, as well as promoting climate-smart agriculture to boost food security.
Additionally, clear commitments on renewable energy transitions are essential, including setting targets for increasing renewable energy’s share and encouraging investment in solar, wind, and hydropower.
As the December 2024 elections approach, it is crucial for political parties to present comprehensive policies on climate change. Addressing climate awareness, deforestation, climate finance, single-use plastics, and renewable energy will be pivotal in shaping Ghana’s climate future.