By Edward Dankwah
Accra, Dec. 1, GNA – Mr. George Opare Asare, a Climate Change Expert, has asked political leaders to prioritise climate-smart agriculture, including subsidising solar irrigation and promoting drought-resistant crops to improve food security.
He said that would also boost resilience to climate change, and ensure sustainable farming.
Mr Opare Asare said unpredictable weather patterns created uncertainty for farmers regarding optimal planting times, resulting in failed harvests and increased food insecurity.
“For voters, supporting leaders with practical solutions can mean securing food for future generations,” he added.
The Climate Change Expert said this in a joint statement made available to the Ghana News Agency by EcoClub 360, Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) and Embassy of Denmark in Ghana.
The statement highlighted the need for Ghanaian voters to cast their votes, taking into consideration the issues of climate change which adversely affected everyone.
Mr. Asare said as Ghanaians prepared to head to the polls on December 7, the nation stood at a pivotal crossroad, not just politically but also environmentally.
He said with rising temperatures, unpredictable rainfall, and devastating floods reshaping lives across Ghana, the election was not only about who would lead Ghanaians but also about how they would tackle the environmental challenges that threatened the future.
The Climate Change Expert said leaders must invest in renewable energy, climate-resilient agriculture, and community adaptation programmes to ensure sustainable progress.
He said voters had a role beyond casting ballots with simple actions like tree planting, waste management, and reducing single-use plastics to contribute to a greener environment.
Additionally, he said educating others about the importance of climate-conscious policies could influence long-term change.
“By choosing leaders who prioritise sustainability, voters can shape a future where Ghana thrives in harmony with nature,” he stressed.
“Whether it is a farmer in the north grappling with erratic rains, a shop owner in Accra counting losses after floods, or a family in Keta losing their ancestral home to coastal erosion, these stories underscore the critical need for climate-conscious leadership,” he added.
He noted that floods in Accra had become an annual disaster, hence the need for voters to demand leaders to prioritise robust drainage systems, urban planning, and green spaces to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Mr. Asare said in Keta, the story was no different, where families watched helplessly as rising seas swallowed homes and ancestral lands.
He said solutions like mangrove restoration and seawalls could save those communities, but they required political will and investment.
“May this moment of unity inspire us to cast votes that reflect not just our political aspirations, but also our commitment to a sustainable Ghana.
“Together, let us build a nation where the power of democracy fuels the fight against climate change and secures a brighter and greener future for all,” he stressed.
GNA