The Upper East Regional Minister, Donatus Akamugri Atanga, has called on Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to intensify local efforts to tackle climate change, warning that its effects are already threatening livelihoods and development across Northern Ghana.
Speaking at the Sub-National Stakeholder Engagement on Climate Change and Sustainability in Bolgatanga, Mr. Atanga said environmental degradation, erratic rainfall and unpredictable weather patterns have become daily challenges, particularly for farming communities.
He said local assemblies are at the forefront of responding to the impacts of climate change and must strengthen their capacity to develop and implement effective adaptation measures.
The engagement, organised by the Office of the Minister of State for Climate Change and Sustainability at the Ex-Tee Crystal Hotel, brought together Metropolitan, Municipal and District Coordinating Directors, planners and other assembly officials from across the Upper East Region.
Mr. Atanga commended the organisers for taking national climate policy discussions to the regional level, describing the forum as timely and necessary.
He urged assembly officials to mainstream climate adaptation into their medium-term development plans and annual budgets instead of treating sustainability as a secondary concern.
According to the Regional Minister, Ghana’s climate objectives will only be achieved if local authorities take ownership of implementation and pursue practical, long-term interventions at the grassroots.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
