Story by: Opoku Asamoah
Climate change is significantly impacting Ghana, as rising temperatures and erratic rainfall patterns disrupt traditional farming activities, threatening the socio-economic livelihood of many who depend on agriculture.
Ghana’s agricultural sector is facing severe challenges due to climate change, which is largely driven by human-induced greenhouse gas emissions causing long-term global warming. The sector experiences frequent extreme weather events such as heatwaves, droughts, floods, and storms, which damage crops and interrupt farming cycles. These conditions have led to reduced crop yields, increased food insecurity, and loss of biodiversity, further exacerbating farmers’ difficulties.
At the second Biennial Media Forum on Natural Resources, Environment, Climate Change and Science (BiM-NECS 2) held in Kumasi, climate expert Madam Afuah Serwah Akoto Prempeh highlighted the human toll of these changes. She shared the story of Aisha, a 17-year-old girl from Kundugu, whose farming-dependent family struggles to meet basic needs due to disrupted agricultural productivity. Many children like Aisha face school dropouts as families can no longer afford fees and learning materials, perpetuating poverty cycles.
The forum also addressed the growing trend of internal migration as families leave rural areas for cities in search of better opportunities, often encountering precarious living conditions and limited employment. The loss of farming as a reliable income source has broad community effects, causing emotional and economic uncertainty.
Madam Prempeh pointed to research indicating that without urgent intervention, climate change could push an additional one million Ghanaians into poverty and reduce household incomes by up to 40 percent by 2050. She estimated that Ghana needs approximately $2 billion annually to effectively mitigate climate impacts.
Cocoa farmer Mr. Adusei Poku emphasized the necessity of prioritizing climate-resilient agricultural practices, improved water management infrastructure, and increased support for farmers through training and financial resources. He stressed that proactive measures could reduce agricultural sector vulnerability and protect farmer livelihoods.
The BiM-NECS forum underscored the critical role of media practitioners in advocating for sustainable natural resource governance and climate action. Attendees agreed on the urgent need for climate-smart agriculture, agroforestry, and conservation efforts. Developing efficient water management systems is crucial for optimizing productivity, enhancing food security, and reducing poverty.
Addressing climate change in Ghana requires coordinated efforts from government, civil society, the media, and the private sector to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, transition to renewable energy, and implement effective adaptation and mitigation strategies. With unified commitment, Ghana can build a resilient agricultural sector that safeguards the livelihoods of farmers and future generations.