As the world grapples with the escalating impacts of climate change, nations are being urged to prepare and adapt to these inevitable changes. Ghana, well known for its tropical weather, is no exception.
Ghana has two main seasons: Rainy season (which happens between April and November) and the Harmattan season (which happens between November and March). However, the country has been experiencing intermittent rainfall and drought in different parts of the country.
Globally, rising temperatures have been contributing to the intensity and frequency of heatwaves, which can have dire health consequences for the population. The increased heat can exacerbate conditions such as cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, leading to higher mortality rates.
This article delves into Ghana’s preparedness for climate change, highlighting both the strides made and the hurdles that lie ahead.
Climate Policies and Enforcement
Ghana has taken commendable steps towards climate resilience. The government, in 2013, implemented the Ghana 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 climate actions into annual work plans.
However, the translation of policy into action has been slow, and the enforcement mechanisms have not been robust enough to meet the set objectives. This gap in enforcement undermines the country’s efforts to combat climate change effectively.
One of the critical areas where enforcement is lacking is in the legal framework. While Ghana has environmental laws that could govern climate change issues, the reliance on generic legislation without specific enforcement provisions for climate policies weakens the overall response.
The Environmental Protection Agency Act of 1994, for instance, is a cornerstone of environmental regulation but does not explicitly address the complexities of climate change enforcement.
Climate Effects 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 to farm-level data in Ghana, have highlighted the sensitivity of crop production to climate variations. The findings suggest that changes in temperature and rainfall patterns could significantly alter crop yields, farmer income, and food availability.
The effects of climate change are also affecting the production of cocoa in Ghana. Cocoa farmers in Ghana are already grappling with severe effects such as soil degradation, pests, diseases, and poor yields, exacerbated by poor agronomic practices. These issues are compounded by the impacts of climate change, which include erratic rainfall patterns and rising temperatures.
Such conditions threaten the delicate balance required for cocoa trees to thrive, potentially leading to a decline in production and affecting the livelihoods of farmers.
Slow Adoption To Renewables
Ghana has been taking some steps toward climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies. These include investing in renewable energy sources, implementing sustainable agricultural practices, and developing 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 $629 million worth of cars, making it the 77th largest importer of cars globally. The country imports about 100,000 vehicles per year, with approximately 90% of them being used cars.
With more vehicles on the road, Ghana is likely to keep producing harmful CO2 into the environment.
Challenges to Overcome
The country's heavy reliance on agriculture makes it particularly vulnerable to climate-induced changes in rainfall patterns and temperature fluctuations.
Moreover, coastal erosion and frequent flooding threaten both urban and rural livelihoods.
It is imperative for Ghana to continue advancing policies that promote environmental resilience while fostering economic growth.
The effects of climate change are already being felt across the nation, and proactive measures are essential to safeguard the well-being of its citizens and ecosystems.
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