By Peter\xa0Justice\xa0GARIBA
Ghana finds itself at the forefront of the worldwide climate emergency—not due to being a significant emitter of pollutants, but because it is a nation exposed to the consequences of increasing temperatures, unpredictable rain patterns, loss of forest cover, and ecological decline.
The financial impact of climate change is increasingly clear across all areas: farming, water resources, public health, and power. However, although global warming is a worldwide issue, our local efforts—or lack thereof—are intensifying the situation.
If we do not take action, Ghana faces not only an environmental disaster but also a financial crisis.
The financial impact of global warming on Ghana
The World Bank predicts that climate change may cause more than one million Ghanaians to fall into poverty by 2050. Agriculture, which provides jobs for over 44% of the workforce, is already facing challenges.
Unpredictable rainfall is damaging crops, lowering harvests, and increasing hunger. Erosion along the coast is taking over houses and agricultural land in areas such as Keta. The pressure on healthcare and water resources is growing. Electricity generation through hydroelectric power is becoming less dependable because of decreasing water levels in reservoirs.
Every cedi lost due to climate effects represents a cedi that is no longer available for our country's development objectives. However, what makes this situation even more distressing is that several of the damages we are experiencing are of our own making.
We are polluting our way into destitution
- Plastic debris and incineration in the open
Our streets, drains, and water channels are overwhelmed with plastic debris. The habit of careless disposal, along with inadequate waste handling systems, is transforming our urban areas into potential health hazards. Worse still, burning plastics—frequently carried out in open areas and close to residences—emits harmful substances, leading to not just air pollution but also respiratory diseases and cancer.
This pollution harms the environment, strains our healthcare system, and damages Ghana's reputation as a tourist spot. It also endangers fishing jobs when plastic waste enters our oceans.
- Car exhaust and obsolete technologies
Our cities are struggling due to vehicle pollution. Weak emission standards and an increase in second-hand car imports have caused air pollution in Accra and other urban areas to become extremely severe. When we add the ongoing importation of old refrigerators and air conditioners that contain prohibited chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)—strong greenhouse gases—we are essentially worsening the climate change that we say we want to combat.
- Galamsey and the use of harmful chemicals
Unlawful mining, known as galamsey, keeps causing severe damage to our rivers, forests, and rural areas. The application of mercury and other harmful substances has contaminated water sources that millions rely on. Whole ecosystems are being ruined, and rivers such as Pra and Ankobra are now unsafe for fishing or consumption. However, enforcement is still inadequate, and the determination to address the issue is uncertain.
Not every illegal mining location is merely a crime scene; it's a zone of economic and environmental catastrophe.
- Deforestation and Timber Export
Ghana loses thousands of hectares of forest annually because of logging, farming, and the production of charcoal. The export of unprocessed timber still happens, frequently in violation of the law, with minimal attention to sustainable practices. Trees are more than just wood—they serve as carbon absorbers, climate stabilizers, and guardians of ecological diversity. When we cut them down without replanting, we are undermining our natural barrier against global warming.
Moving ahead: Environmental accountability is equivalent to economic accountability
Ghana needs to recognize that climate change is no longer just an environmental concern—it has become a financial crisis.
It is impossible to create a robust economy in a weakened and contaminated environment. Here's what needs to be addressed:
- Prohibit the entry of old, CFC-releasing devices and rigorously apply environmental regulations to every imported electronic product and vehicle.
- Support waste management systems—such as recycling and compostable options—to combat the plastic problem.
- Take strict action against unauthorized mining through complete enforcement, use of technological monitoring, and involvement of local communities. No political concessions.
- Replant and preserve our woodlands, while generating local benefits rather than shipping out unprocessed wood.
- Implement stringent air quality standards, particularly within city transportation systems, along with rewards for electric vehicles and environmentally friendly fuels.
- Inform and strengthen communities, as sustainable transformation starts with actions and knowledge.
The moment to take action is currently
Ghana's economic future is not solely reliant on oil income or external investments, but also on the way we manage our environment right now. Climate change is a reality, and it is already causing significant losses. However, by implementing thoughtful policies, engaging communities, and embracing environmental stewardship, we have the potential to change this course.
We need to halt prioritizing immediate benefits over long-term existence. The future of Ghana—its economy, its youth, its territory, and its heritage—relies on the decisions we take at this moment.
Let's opt for life. Let's embrace eco-friendliness. Let's support Ghana.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
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