As the world grapples with the escalating effects of climate change, nations are called upon to prepare and adapt to these inevitable changes. Ghana, known for its tropical weather, is no exception.
Ghana has two main seasons: Rainy season (occurring between April and November) and the Harmattan era (occurring between November and March). However, the country faces periodic rainfall and drought in various parts of the country.
Globally, rising temperatures have contributed to the intensity and frequency of heat waves, which can have dire consequences for population health. Increased heat can worsen conditions such as cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, leading to higher mortality rates.
This article delves into Ghana’s climate change preparedness, highlighting both the strides made and the obstacles that lie ahead.
Climate policies and enforcement
Ghana has made commendable strides towards climate resilience. The government, in 2013, implemented it Ghana’s National Climate Change Policy (NCCP). The policy aims to integrate climate change considerations into national development processes.
The NCCP is structured in three phases, focusing on current situations, detailed initiatives, and mainstreaming of climate action in annual work plans.
However, the transformation of policy into action was slow and enforcement mechanisms were not strong enough to achieve the set goals. This enforcement gap undermines the country’s efforts to effectively combat climate change.
One of the critical areas where enforcement is lacking is the legal framework. While Ghana has environmental laws that could govern climate change issues, reliance on general legislation without specific enforcement provisions for climate policies weakens the overall response.
The Environmental Protection Agency Act of 1994for example, it is a cornerstone of environmental regulation but does not explicitly address the complexities of climate change enforcement.
Climate Impacts on Agriculture
The agricultural sector, which is a cornerstone of Ghana’s economy, is particularly vulnerable to climate change. Changes in rainfall patterns and temperature can lead to crop failures, reduced yields, and increased pest infestations.
Recent studies, such as the application of a Structural Ricardian model on farm-level data in Ghana, have highlighted the sensitivity of crop production to climate fluctuations. The findings suggest that changes in temperature and rainfall patterns could significantly alter crop yields, farmers’ income and food availability.
The effects of climate change are also affecting cocoa production in Ghana. Cocoa farmers in Ghana are already struggling with serious impacts such as soil degradation, pests, diseases and poor yields; exacerbated by poor agronomic practices. These issues are exacerbated by the effects of climate change, which include; irregular rainfall patterns and rising temperatures.
Such conditions threaten the delicate balance required for cocoa trees to grow, potentially leading to reduced production and affecting farmers’ livelihoods.
Slow adoption of renewable energy sources
Ghana has taken some steps towards climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies. These include investments in renewable energy sourcesthe implementation of sustainable agricultural practices and the development of coastal protection measures.
However, Ghana’s renewable energy is still low compared to thermal and hydro
The country has also been slow to switch to electric vehicles. It was reported that in 2021, Ghana imported cars worth $629 million, making it the 77th largest car importer worldwide. The country imports about 100,000 vehicles per year, with about 90% of them being used cars.
With more vehicles on the road, Ghana is likely to continue to emit harmful CO2 into the environment.
Challenges to be overcome
The country’s heavy reliance on agriculture makes it particularly vulnerable to climate-induced changes in rainfall patterns and temperature fluctuations.
In addition, coastal erosion and frequent flooding threaten both urban and rural life.
It is imperative for Ghana to continue to promote policies that promote environmental resilience while encouraging economic growth.
The effects of climate change are already being felt across the nation, and preventive measures are essential to ensure the well-being of its citizens and ecosystems.
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