Harnessing Climate Change for Economic Growth, Not Just Challenges – Prof. Damba
Experts urge shift toward climate innovation and economic opportunities as Ghana rolls out adaptation plan
- Prof. Damba says climate change should be seen as an opportunity for innovation and job creation.
- Northern Ghana NAP launch highlights vulnerability of farmers and need for stronger adaptation strategies.
- Stakeholders call for collaboration, capacity building, and stronger district-level implementation.
The Secretary-General of the Ghana Commission for UNESCO, Osman Tahidu Damba, has called on stakeholders to shift their focus from the threats of climate change to the economic opportunities it presents for innovation, job creation, and sustainable development.
Speaking at the launch of the Northern Ghana phase of the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) in Tamale, he emphasized that climate change, while posing serious risks to agriculture, energy, and livelihoods, also offers new pathways for growth through nature-based and ecosystem-based solutions.
He noted that globally, climate-focused innovations are increasingly becoming profitable ventures, particularly in areas that combine environmental protection with economic returns.
Climate Solutions Creating New Opportunities
Prof. Damba highlighted examples such as neem-based biopesticides, which are already being produced in parts of northern Ghana, as proof that climate challenges can be turned into economic opportunities for small and medium-scale enterprises.
“It is not all about painting a gloomy picture. We must identify and harness the opportunities climate change presents,” he said.
He also pointed to drought-resistant crops and climate-smart agriculture as emerging value chains that can boost resilience while creating jobs.
National Adaptation Plan Launch
The event, organised by Changing Lives in Innovative Partnerships (CLIP) in collaboration with the Environmental Protection Authority, formed part of efforts to promote awareness and strengthen stakeholder ownership of the National Adaptation Plan.
The NAP, developed under the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology, provides a framework to enhance climate resilience across key sectors, especially agriculture, which remains highly vulnerable in northern Ghana.
Findings from 13 district-level vulnerability assessments were also presented, highlighting risks faced by smallholder farmers and informing farmer-focused adaptation strategies.
Call for Multi-Sector Collaboration
Prof. Damba stressed that addressing climate change requires collaboration across sectors, noting that no single institution can tackle the challenge alone.
“Climate change cannot be addressed in isolation. It requires shared ideas and innovation across sectors,” he said.
Capacity Gaps at District Level
At the event, EPA Director for Climate Vulnerability and Adaptation, Antwi-Boasiako Amoah, emphasized the need for stronger awareness creation, funding, and capacity-building at the district level to ensure effective implementation of the NAP.
He noted that many district assemblies still lack the technical expertise needed to integrate climate considerations into local development planning.
Stakeholder Participation Key to Success
The Director of CLIP, Lukman Yussif, added that while Ghana has made progress in climate policy development, the success of the National Adaptation Plan will depend heavily on active stakeholder participation and coordination.
The discussions underscored a growing consensus that climate change, if properly managed, can serve not only as a challenge but also as a catalyst for sustainable economic transformation in Ghana.
