By Christopher Tetteh
Goaso, (Ahafo), April 17, GNA – The Solidaridad West Africa has launched the implementation of a two-year project to mitigate climate change impact and reduce carbon emissions in five Regions.
Solidaridad is an International Civil Society Organisation (CSO) that promotes sustainable production, food security, and robust service delivery through SMEs.
The beneficiary regions include Ahafo, Ashanti, Central, Eastern and Western North Regions of the country.
The World Bank-funded project titled, “Enhancing Access to Benefits while Lowering Emissions (EnABLE),” is being implemented by Solidaridad and Tropenbos Ghana, under the Ghana Cocoa Forest REDD+ Programme.
It forms part of the World Bank’s effort to address social inclusion challenges in the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility’s (FCPF) Emission Reductions Programme and seeks to enhance inclusion of the regions in accessing carbon and non-carbon benefits from the Ghana Emission Reductions Programme (ERP) and Benefit Sharing Plan (BSP).
Speaking at a ceremony held at Goaso, the Ahafo Regional capital, Madam Mercy Owusu Ansah, the Director of Tropenbos Ghana said the project further sought to build more resilient communities and sustainable supply chains.
It was attended by stakeholders in the cocoa sector, students and traditional authorities.
Mr Isaac Gyamfi, the Regional Director, Solidaridad West Africa, stated that the EnABLE project would empower farmers with modern methods and best farm practices to reduce greenhouse gases.
He said Solidaridad was a CSO and a global network operating in five Continent to promote inclusivity and sustainable solutions for community resilience.
Mr Gyamfi said his organisation remained committed to work with both private and public sector organizations to strengthen systems and initiatives towards mitigating climate change impacts to promote environmental sustainability.
“Our initiatives simultaneously promote sustainable land use, improve tree planting, climate smart agriculture and modern farming practices for immeasurable impact”, he stated.
Mr Patrick Ansah, a Representative from the World Bank said the EnABLE project related to the vision and mission of the Bank in ensuring that Persons with Disabilities, women and children benefited through sustainable and harmonious environmental living.
In a speech read on her behalf, Madam Charity Gardiner, the Ahafo Regional Minister lauded the project implementation, saying it would complement the Ghana Cocoa REDD+ Programme in mitigating climate change in the country.
With the project, she said she was highly optimistic that beneficiary communities and farmers would be fully equipped with the requisite skills in climate smart agriculture and entreated the communities to support the project.
Mr Charles Sarpong Duah, a Representative of the Forestry Commission also commended the World Bank for funding the project, saying it would further help diversify the incomes of farmers.
GNA
DEN/GRB