By Daniel Itai
A recent study conducted by the Africa Policy Research Institute (APRI) in collaboration with the Ghana Climate Innovation Centre (GCIC) has unveiled the alarming reality of climate change’s profound effects on Ghana.
The research indicates that the nation is grappling with severe climate change impacts, including coastal erosion, droughts, and floods, which have significantly reverberated across critical sectors of the economy, including agriculture, health, coastal management, and natural resources.
The study also underscores that despite Ghana’s active implementation of climate change adaptation policies and measures, there remains an ambiguity concerning the extent to which local needs, priorities, strategies, and challenges are effectively integrated and emphasized, particularly at the community level.
“Climate actions in Ghana involve a diverse array of stakeholders, ranging from technical agencies and non-governmental organizations to the private sector and international bodies.
“However, there is a growing consensus among these stakeholders that the practical execution of adaptation efforts on the ground at sub-national levels still falls short,” the research report states.
Furthermore, the study highlights that local communities are grappling with difficulties in securing support from governmental institutions and other relevant organizations.
This underscores the necessity for the international community to augment effective locally led climate adaptation initiatives.
The research emphasizes the urgency for a surge in international climate financing dedicated to locally led adaptation strategies.
This entails augmenting funding and financial resources specifically allocated to support locally driven climate adaptation endeavors.
The study proposes mechanisms such as establishing dedicated funds, grant programs, and financial frameworks that prioritize and allocate resources to local communities and organizations.
The study also points out the importance of fostering collaboration and partnerships among international organizations, governments, non-governmental organizations, and local communities to enhance locally driven climate adaptation efforts.
This can be achieved through the creation of networks, platforms, and forums for dialogue and cooperation.
The research further underscores the value of promoting the exchange of resources, expertise, and technology transfer.
In the face of Ghana’s pressing climate challenges, the study underscores the importance of effectively addressing climate change impacts at the grassroots level, through both financial support and collaborative efforts.