By Albert Oppong-Ansah, GNA
Accra, Sept. 2, GNA -The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is conducting district level climate vulnerability assessment to develop a tailor-made adaptation plan.
So far, funding has been secured from multiple development partners and work is progressing in about 50 districts.
Dr Antwi-Boasiako Amoah, the Acting Director, Climate Vulnerability and Adaptation, EPA, who disclosed this to the Ghana News Agency, said more funding was needed to cover the rest of about 200 districts.
He noted that a nationwide assessment showed climate crisis manifested differently at different localities, hence the need for specific local assessments.
He explained that local specific study would help identify the real issues and work together with stakeholders to make specific plans to build adaptive capacity and resilience.
The district assessment, which is scattered throughout the country, is being funded by Green Climate Fund (GCF), Water Aid, International Institute for Sustainable Development, Strengthening Investment in Gender-Responsive Climate Adaptation and United Nations Capital Development Fund under the local initiatives.
That of Ashanti Bekwae had been completed and an adaptation plan had been done, while the rest were at different levels with majority to be completed by December 2024.
“…While communities in the northern regions are experiencing rapid high temperatures and dry spells, it is not the same for those in the southern part. The dry conditions in the north, which impact on access to water, are not same down south,” he said.
Using the climate change risk assessment conducted for Tamale Metropolitan Assembly, he said increased frequency of heavy rainfall events would heighten the risk of flooding in Tamale, but that could be combined with increased variability of rainfall and increased frequency of drought.
Dr Amoah said a similar assessment of Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly revealed that extreme rainfall and sea level events, such as high tides, storm surges, strong winds, and changes in ocean currents, would become more frequent at most locations.
“This will threaten critical infrastructure such as roads, bridges, power stations, as well as cultural heritage sites,” he added.
Dr Amoah, who also serves on the Board of GCF, said nationwide analysis of historical temperature and precipitation records, combined with recent weather events in Ghana, provide evidence that the pace of climate change was rapidly changing.
“Primary sectors such as agriculture and fisheries are the most sensitive to the impacts of climate change, but all sectors will be affected. These sectors are most directly influenced by climate events and typically apply to more vulnerable communities,” he said.
Dr Amoah noted that climate change would have a disproportionately high impact on vulnerable communities and women, particularly those dependent on subsistence agriculture and fishing or located in informal settlements and in areas exposed to flooding.
“This realisation underscores the urgent need for proactive measures, as Ghana will continue to experience the significant impacts of climate change in the years to come.”
GNA