By Albert Oppong-Ansah
Accra, April 17, GNA – Field visits to carbon project sites are improving decision-making and ensuring community impact, officials of the Carbon Market Office (CMO) have said.
They said on-site inspections were helping to verify implementation levels, identify gaps, and strengthen the review process for carbon projects.
Dr Daniel Tutu Benefoh, Acting Director of the CMO at the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), said this in an interview with the Ghana News Agency.
“Instead of relying only on documents submitted by project developers, the committee now goes to communities to see what is actually happening.
“When we go to the field, we see the reality for ourselves, and that helps us make better decisions,” he explained.
Dr. Benefoh said the exercise formed part of Ghana’s efforts to implement climate actions under the Paris Agreement, while ensuring that projects delivered tangible benefits to local communities.
He said one of the key lessons from the visits was that well-designed projects could significantly improve livelihoods.
“Access to clean water is a basic need. If these projects can help provide that, then it shows the importance of what we are doing,” he noted.
The visits covered the Northern, Central, Volta and Eastern Regions, where teams assessed projects such as water treatment systems, waste management initiatives, clean cooking solutions, and forest regeneration.
Mr. Danie Akwetey Lamptey, Principal Programme Officer at the EPA, said the projects were creating employment opportunities, particularly for the youth.
He said some graduates were engaged in activities such as land restoration and natural resource management under the projects.
Mr. Lamptey said the initiatives were not only improving the environment but also supporting local economies and providing alternative livelihoods for community members.
“This is about more than just protecting the environment. It is also about improving lives and bringing development to communities,” he said.
Mr. Lamptey said the field inspections would enhance project quality and build trust in the carbon market system.
“There are plans to carry out more inspections, not only before approval but also after projects begin. This will help Ghana strengthen carbon market while ensuring that communities see real benefits from the projects,” he said.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Sackey