As Ghana approaches its December 7 general elections, climate change advocates are urging the media to prioritize environmental issues in their coverage. The Environment Report, under the Connecting Communities, Climate and Politics for Tomorrow (3CP for Tomorrow) project, has highlighted the significant effects of climate change on the country, including extreme weather events, rising sea levels, loss of biodiversity, and disruptions to ecosystems and livelihoods.
Ghana is experiencing the adverse impacts of climate change, with vulnerable communities facing food shortages, forced migration, and increased health risks. Compounding these challenges are illegal mining, deforestation, pollution, and unsustainable agricultural practices. These activities not only harm the environment but also threaten Ghana’s ability to meet key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) like SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 15 (Life on Land), and SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation).
The report criticizes the government’s inadequate response to environmental degradation, which continues to erode the country’s natural resources and ecosystem services. With political parties rolling out their manifestoes ahead of the elections, the media is being called upon to scrutinize the environmental commitments within these documents and inform the public about the parties’ proposed climate action plans.
In addition to media engagement, the 3CP for Tomorrow project will hold awareness campaigns in the Upper East, Northern, Volta, Western, and Ashanti regions. These campaigns will provide a platform for the public to discuss climate change, question political parties, and assess the adequacy of their policies in addressing these critical issues.
By fostering informed debates, climate advocates hope to ensure that climate change remains a priority in the upcoming elections and that the next government commits to meaningful climate action.
