The Acting CEO of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), Prof. Nana Ama Browne Klutse, has emphasized the urgent need for informed decision-making and strong political will to address climate change. Speaking to the media, she highlighted that scientific research must guide policies and actions, as failure to act could threaten human survival.
“We need to understand the climate, make the right policy decisions, and, most importantly, have the political will to implement them. Without it, we risk our very existence,” she stated.
As the authority responsible for environmental regulation and climate change coordination, Prof. Klutse reaffirmed the EPA’s commitment to driving national climate adaptation and mitigation efforts. She expressed pride in contributing to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) manifesto, which played a role in the party’s 2024 electoral victory, and is now in a position to implement key environmental policies.
Adapting to Climate Change: A National Priority
One of the EPA’s key focus areas is climate adaptation, ensuring that Ghana is prepared for the long-term effects of climate change. Prof. Klutse stressed the need for proactive planning, citing visible impacts such as coastal erosion and increased flooding.
“We see flooding happening, and this year will be no exception. We must develop adaptation plans to minimize the damage when extreme weather events occur,” she warned.
To address these challenges, she outlined three critical steps:
Public Awareness: The knowledge and information on climate risks must reach the general public.
Government Intervention: Authorities must enforce regulations, such as stopping construction on waterways.
Community Action: Citizens must adopt responsible practices to protect the environment, such as preserving wetlands to prevent flooding.
Government Support for Affected Communities
Prof. Klutse also stressed that while some climate impacts result from human activities, others, like coastal erosion, are beyond the control of local communities. Government intervention, such as constructing sea defense walls, is necessary to protect affected areas.
Additionally, she called for support for farmers, urging the government to provide climate-resilient seeds and farming inputs to ensure food security despite changing weather patterns.
A Call to Action
The EPA is set to intensify efforts to regulate, coordinate, and enforce climate policies, ensuring Ghana builds resilience against climate change. However, Prof. Klutse insists that climate action requires collaboration between the government, private sector, and the general public to be effective.
“If we don’t protect our environment today, the consequences will be severe for future generations. We all have a role to play,” she concluded.
Writer: Frederick Nortey
Email: nueteiafrohead@gmail.com
Tel: 0205542403
, Prof. Nana Ama Browne Klutse, has emphasized the urgent need for informed decision-making and strong political will to address climate change. Speaking to the media, she highlighted that scientific research must guide policies and actions, as failure to act could threaten human survival.){kind=link}