Ghana is stepping up to protect its coastlines and restore nature. The country has launched significant programs to revive damaged ecosystems and safeguard communities from climate change.
During a recent United Nations meeting in Nairobi, Ghana’s Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, emphasized that coastal communities are already facing the harsh realities of environmental damage. He shared how fishermen see trash washing ashore and farmers struggle with erratic rainfall.
To combat these challenges, Ghana is pushing for environmental restoration. “We are working to fix damaged landscapes,” Buah noted. “Our programs aim to restore soil health, revive riverbanks, and bring life back to the land.”
The government is also enhancing coastal resilience by restoring mangroves and lagoons. Additionally, discussions about critical minerals are ongoing, focusing on fair practices for countries rich in these resources.
On renewable energy, Ghana announced a $3.4 billion investment plan to boost solar and wind energy. This initiative will expand mini-grids and introduce solar irrigation for farmers, marking a pivotal step toward a greener future in West Africa.
Buah called for international support to match Ghana’s ambitious goals. He urged other nations to provide climate finance and technological partnerships that allow developing countries to act swiftly against climate threats.
Recognizing the urgent need for better environmental governance, he highlighted the importance of enforcing global rules on waste management, especially for plastics and e-waste. “It’s crucial to create a balanced approach to the critical minerals economy,” he said, advocating for support that values both ecosystems and local communities.
Notably, a recent report from the World Bank revealed that coastal communities in Ghana could face losses of up to $4 billion annually by 2050 due to climate impacts. This statistic underscores the urgency of Ghana’s initiatives and the importance of global cooperation.
Making investments in resilience, from coastal protection to forest conservation, isn’t just key for Ghana—it’s critical for the future of many nations. As the effects of climate change grow, actions like these could become models for others to follow.
