COP29 outcomes dissemination forum held in Tamale

A day forum has been held in Tamale to disseminate key climate decisions and outcomes of the 29th UN Conference of Parties (COP29) to stakeholders and the grassroots level.

Key among the outcomes disseminated were climate finance, mitigation, adaptation and green energy.

The event, which brought together representatives of youth groups, civil society organisations and state institutions, also deliberated on how northern Ghana can leverage global climate policies and decisions to develop localised solutions.

It was organised by YEFL Ghana under the Empowerment for Life programme, in partnership with Climate Development and Knowledge Networks (CDKN).

Adaptation

Speaking at the event in Tamale last Tuesday, the National Director in Charge of Climate Change Adaptation and Vulnerability at the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), Dr Antwi-Boasiako Amoah, emphasised the importance of adaptation for developing countries such as Ghana.

Given the growing impact of climate change, he said there was a need for the country to transition from a fossil fuel-dependent economy to a green economy to help address the menace.

“People are running away from responsibility at the international level but at the local level, we must also take ownership. Everyone has a role to play in mitigating climate change,” he said.

Dr Amoah pointed out the climate financing gap which had severely impacted northern Ghana, noting that “to drive home both mitigation and adaptation actions on the local level, we need sustainable funding.”

Climate resilience

The Advocacy and Engagement Officer at YEFL Ghana, Fathiaya Zakaria, commended the participants for their insightful contributions and said the forum would provide a deeper understanding of the COP29 outcomes and their relevance to climate resilience.

"As the region continues to navigate the challenges of climate change, events like this forum will play a crucial role in promoting climate action, resilience and sustainable development," she said.

She, however, urged the participants to apply the knowledge gained to actively contribute to the mitigation efforts in their respective communities.

The Country Manager of CDKN, Dr Prince Ansah, expressed appreciation to YEFL Ghana for the partnership and said it would go a long way to help build climate resilience at the community level.

Writer’s email: mohammed.fugu@graphic.com.gh