As Ghanaians prepare to head to the polls on Saturday, December 7, 2024, the Environment Report under the Connecting Communities Climate and Politics for Tomorrow (3CP) Project urges voters to place environmental sustainability at the forefront of their decision-making.
With the country facing escalating climate challenges, the importance of electing leaders committed to protecting the environment cannot be overstated.
Ghana is currently grappling with severe climate change impacts, including extreme weather events, prolonged droughts, rising sea levels, and disruptions to ecosystems and livelihoods. These issues have led to significant losses in biodiversity, increased health risks, and soaring agricultural prices driven by unpredictable water supply.
Illegal mining (galamsey), logging in forest reserves, river pollution, unsustainable agricultural practices, and open waste burning exacerbate these challenges, jeopardizing the nation’s progress toward achieving critical Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15 (Life on Land).
An environmental gap in party manifestos
A review of the manifestos of the two leading political parties, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC), reveals a concerning omission. Neither party has committed to revoking Legislative Instrument (L.I) 2462, passed in November 2022, which grants broad access to exploit Ghana’s forest reserves, including areas housing globally significant biodiversity.
This oversight raises questions about the long-term environmental priorities of the nation’s political leadership.
However, in recent weeks, both parties have made public pledges on campaign platforms to address critical environmental issues.
Promises include combating illegal mining, implementing measures to mitigate climate change, and taking steps to protect biodiversity. These commitments provide an opportunity for citizens to evaluate the sincerity and feasibility of these plans before casting their votes.
A call to action for voters
The stakes for Ghana’s environmental future are high. As voters, it is crucial to scrutinize the promises made by political parties and assess their commitment to tackling galamsey, extreme weather events, and the broader challenges posed by climate change.
Electing leaders who prioritize environmental sustainability is essential for safeguarding ecosystems, livelihoods, and the health of future generations.
The 3CP Project calls on all Ghanaians to consider the following issues before heading to the polls:
- Galvanizing action against illegal mining: Ending galamsey is vital to restoring rivers and safeguarding water resources.
- Mitigating climate impacts: Implementing policies to address droughts, rising sea levels, and extreme weather events will protect vulnerable communities.
- Preserving biodiversity: Revoking harmful policies like L.I 2462 and promoting conservation initiatives will help protect Ghana’s natural heritage.
- Promoting sustainable practices: Investing in eco-friendly agricultural methods and waste management systems will build resilience against climate shocks.
This election is an opportunity to shape Ghana’s environmental future. By prioritizing candidates who demonstrate a strong commitment to sustainability, Ghanaians can ensure that the nation takes meaningful steps toward addressing climate change and achieving its SDG targets.
The time to act is now, for the sake of Ghana’s present and future generations.
