CSOs In Ghana Hold Validation Workshop On Climate Action Plan

As a demonstration of their complementary commitment towards the achievements of the Ghana Nationally Determined Contributions (Gh-NDCs) Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) who are involved in environmental and climate change issues have held a day’s validation workshop to fine tune a draft climate change agenda and action plan in the country.

Nationally determined contributions (NDCs) are efforts by each party (country) to reduce emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change in accordance with the Paris Agreement for the achievement of the Sustinable Development Goals (SDGs).

The CSOs Climate Change Agenda and Action Plan when finalised would provide a landmark framework and coordination mechanism to guide member bodies in the implemetation of workable and practical actions to increase public awareness on climate change, advocacy for climate action, support research, increase financing and ensuring climate justice and sustainability for the achievement of the goals of the Gh-NDCs.

Presenting an overview of the Five-year (2025-2030) Climate Change Agenda and Action Plan (CCAAP), the consultant, Prof Simon Bawakyillenuo said the document will serve as a useful policy influencing document for CSOs in the country.

Prof Bawakyillenuo who is a lecturer at the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER) of the University of Ghana, said the document provides a deatiled strategy that outlined specific goals to achieve objectives of Ghana’s NDCs.

According to him, the action plan when utilised effectively would enable CSOs in the country to lead the charge on climate change whiles influencing policy positively.

He called on CSOs in the country to work in partnerships in order to derive the full benefits of in the tenets of the proposed plan when adopted.

The Project Cordinator for the Green Climate Fund Readiness Project and CEO of HATOF Foundation, Dr Samuel Dotse said climate resiliece is at the heart of Ghana’s economic development hence inaction would derail the already difficult economic challenges facing the country.

CSOs he said are therefore critical stakeholders in the climate change agenda to held change the negative narrative.

Dr Dotse assured of the readiness of CSOs to complete government efforts whiles advocating for climate resilience actions especially for the attainment of Ghana’s NDCs.

CSOs and other stakeholders who attended the event include KASA Initiative, Women in-law and Development, Greener Impact International, Forest Watch, Youth Climate Counsel and Climate Communications and Local Governance Africa, CCLG-Africa.

The rest are Cook Clean Ghana, Civil Society Coalition in Land, SD13 Platform, Forestry Commission, Ministry of Finance, Abantu for Development among others.

The validation wroskhop was organized by the HATOF Foundation with funding support from the Green Climate Fund and supported by the Ministry of Finance.

By: Christian Kpesese