I’ll champion climate-resistant initiatives – Issifu Seidu

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Issifu Seidu, the Minister-designate for Climate Change and Sustainability, has committed to introducing climate-resistant initiatives aimed at safeguarding vulnerable communities and sectors in Ghana. Speaking during his vetting by Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Friday, January 31, 2025, Seidu emphasised the urgent need for strategic interventions to address the mounting impacts of climate change on Ghana’s economy and environment.

During his appearance before the committee, Seidu highlighted the pervasive impact of global climate trends, which he noted have significantly disrupted key state institutions and economic sectors, including agriculture, energy, and forestry. Seidu identified agriculture as one of the most vulnerable sectors in Ghana. He explained how unpredictable rainfall patterns, prolonged droughts, and increased flooding have placed a strain on farmers and disrupted food security.

Additionally, the forestry sector has faced severe deforestation challenges, further exacerbated by climate change, while the energy sector has encountered challenges due to erratic weather conditions impacting hydropower generation. “If I am given the nod what I will do is to support the existing ministries to come up with initiatives that will target the perennial flooding that we have. We need to have climate-resistant initiatives so that we can target the vulnerable institutions that we have.

“The vulnerable sectors of the economy are the agricultural sector, the energy sector, forestry and we need to come out with climate resistant initiatives to save our environment.”

The Paris Climate Agreement, signed by nearly 200 nations, commits countries to limit global temperature rises to below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit the increase to 1.5°C. Seidu acknowledged the importance of Ghana’s continued commitment to such agreements but stressed the need for practical, on-the-ground implementation of climate policies to achieve meaningful change.

By: Kabah Atawoge

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