Environment, Science and Technology Minister Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings
The Government of Ghana has secured a $7 million grant from the Green Climate Fund to help smallholder farmers and vulnerable communities in Northern Ghana cope with the effects of climate change.
The seven-year project will be implemented across eight districts and will focus on climate-smart agriculture, stronger early warning systems and better access to climate finance.
Environment, Science and Technology Minister Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings said the project was developed in response to challenges raised during the government’s engagement with communities.
Her statement was delivered by Ruth Dzokoto, Deputy Director of Administration at the Office of the Minister of State for Climate Change and Sustainability.
Dr Agyeman-Rawlings said climate change was no longer only an environmental concern but also a major development and livelihood issue.
She noted that climate change was affecting agriculture, water supplies, infrastructure, jobs and local economic growth.
The Minister said many local authorities understand the climate challenges facing their communities but lack the technical support, resources and reliable funding needed to address them.
The project, secured through the Environmental Protection Agency, will help district authorities improve their climate adaptation plans and budgets.
It will also provide communities with better access to climate information and early warning systems, while supporting climate-resilient farming and the protection of local ecosystems.
The initiative will further help vulnerable communities access climate finance and strengthen their knowledge and participation in climate adaptation programmes.
Dr Agyeman-Rawlings called for stronger cooperation between government agencies, local authorities, development partners and communities.
She said coordinated action was needed to reduce the growing impact of climate change and build stronger, more resilient local economies in Northern Ghana.
By: Eunice Adjei