By Eunice Hilda A. Mensah
Accra, Nov. 27, GNA – Mr Issifu Seidu, Minister of State for Climate Change and Sustainability, has reaffirmed his office’s preparedness to partner Plan International Ghana in its efforts to support national climate action.
He said Plan International Ghana was helping government address climate change and protect the environment in an admirable manner that deserved commendation.
Mr Seidu made the remark when a delegation from Plan’s “She Leads Climate Cohort” and staff of the NGO paid a working visit to the Ministry to seek partnership.
The She Leads Climate Cohort has led several initiatives in climate mitigation, adaptation and advocacy within communities, especially in northern Ghana.
The Minister, whose office is the first of its kind to be established, said it had a duty to facilitate and strengthen the impactful work of NGOs in addressing climate challenges.
“Your visit is very important, and we will give you the space and partnership to do more. Your representation speaks volumes about your work. Just see the Ministry as an extension of what you do,” he said.
Mr Seidu noted that sustained advocacy, sensitisation and community integration would help close the gaps in the country’s climate response.
“Gone are the days when people used to say floods come from God. People are becoming conscious that climate change is real and must be tackled head-on. Our support to you in advocacy is unflinching, and we will look at how to elevate our collaboration for the greater good of our environment and nation,” he added.
Mr Constant Tchona, Country Director of Plan International Ghana, said the organisation had observed the vibrance of many young people who were actively advocating against harmful climate practices, hence the establishment of the She Leads Climate Cohort.
He said Plan International Ghana was committed to partnering government on national initiatives to ensure a climate-resilient Ghana.
Ms Hadizatu Ismail, a member of the cohort, briefing the Minister on their activities, said the group was established because climate change affected every community, including girls and schools.
She said the first cohort in Ghana undertook activities in the Upper West Region, where they educated more than 350 students on basic climate terminologies, mitigation measures and how to contribute positively to the environment.
“The children later undertook tree-planting initiatives on their own. We also educated parents through radio programmes, because educating only the children would leave gaps,” she said.
She added that the cohort designed waste bins for schools, taught proper waste disposal — including safe disposal of used sanitary pads — mounted water tanks for communities during the dry season, and collaborated with Agricultural Officers to train residents on fertiliser use and water storage for dry-season farming.
“We also taught schools to mend or create school bags using waste materials as part of efforts to safeguard the environment,” she said.
Ms Rukaya Issah, another member of the cohort, said deforestation and charcoal burning were widespread in Gambaga in the North East Region.
“These practices have brought prolonged drought and reduced crop yields. The poor environmental practices delayed rainfall this year, caused water shortages and resulted in many farmers losing their crops,” she noted.
She added that although some young girls were underestimated because of their age, many were passionate climate advocates with firsthand experience of the impact of climate change. She urged government to engage them more and increase funding for climate action.
Ms Linda Dassah, a third member of the cohort, appealed to the Minister to include young climate negotiators in national climate initiatives. She also called on government to strengthen the National Climate Policy across Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies to ensure adequate funding and greater youth involvement.
GNA
Edited by Audrey Dekalu