Dr. John Kingsley Krugu, the Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has emphasized the critical need to protect the environment and steer the economy towards low-carbon and climate-resilient growth to mitigate the risks posed by climate change.
Addressing participants at the National Validation Workshop on Readiness Assessment for Long-Term Low Emissions Development Strategy (LT-LEDS) for Ghana, Dr. Krugu highlighted the potential impacts of climate change on people, animals, crops, and material goods. He stressed the importance of proactive measures to address these challenges.
During the workshop, it was announced that this year's Climate Change Education Week is scheduled from April 22 to April 26, 2024. Dr. Krugu called upon development partners and relevant stakeholders to collaborate with the EPA in organizing the event to enhance public education and awareness of climate change and related issues.
The primary objective of the workshop was to ensure that priority mitigation actions from all stakeholders were integrated into the draft national document. This involves addressing policy and operational gaps, as well as identifying sectoral actions to reduce emissions and adapt to climate change.
Dr Krugu outlined that the report covers various aspects, including policy analysis, assessment of frameworks, thematic areas of interest for Ghana, and stakeholder involvement in long-term climate planning processes.
Dr. Winfred Nelson, Director for Development Coordination at the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), highlighted the commission's role in advising the President and Parliament on national development policy and strategy. He emphasized the ongoing efforts to revise the 40-year national development plan, with a focus on environmental considerations and low-emission development.
Dr. Nelson urged participants to broaden their focus beyond emissions and consider the broader socio-economic implications of emissions. He emphasized the importance of stakeholder engagement in the planning process to ensure comprehensive inputs.
Furthermore, Dr. Nelson highlighted the political significance of integrating environmental considerations into national development plans, emphasizing the need for political parties to draw from the long-term framework in developing their manifestos.
With these collaborative processes in place, it is anticipated that issues related to low emissions and environmental sustainability will be effectively integrated into national development plans, contributing to Ghana's long-term resilience and sustainable growth.