The Vice President, Mr. John Dramani Mahama says government is concerned so much about the climate change which has adverse effects on food security, infrastructure, health and life in general. He said to this end, government has factored into its policies the thorny issue of climate change.
The Vice-President stated these at the National Climate Change Forum (2009) held at the Accra International Conference Centre. The theme was “Climate Change: Everybody’s Concern”. The forum was presided over and chaired by his Majesty, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin II, Okyenehene and a champion campaigner of environmental protection.
Mr. John Mahama said if the climate change is not mitigated by good practices such as afforestation, good sanitation, pollution prevention etc… we can be affected with desertification. He said certain areas of Brong Aharo for example where cocoa was grown - now due to climate change and human activities, cocoa can no longer grow in those parts of Brong Ahafo.
The Vice President said if the current generation fails to adhere to policies against climate change, the tendency for it to affect hydro power potential, agriculture, water quality and quantity, health, tourism, fisheries, forestry and wildlife, among others in the future is high.
“Ghana’s position on climate change is a call on developed countries to demonstrate more commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions to the levels that mitigate the global warming and climate change preferable by 40%, below 1990 level by year 2020.”
The Okyenehene Ofori Panin II, said "we need to protect our environment for future generations...decentralization in government and education can develop the nation to the standard we all want," he added.
The Minister of Science, Environment and Technology, Ms. Sherry Ayittey said a conference would be held on climate change in Copenhagen, Denmark to address the challenge.
