MEST outlines National Climate Change Policy Framework

Accra, Aug 5, GNA - Mr Ruddolf Kuuzegh, Director at the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology (MEST) has outlined the National Climat= e Change Policy Framework (NCCPF), with a call on the youth to protect the environment for future generations.

He said it was evident that many of the key economic assets, namely th= e coastal zone, agriculture and water resources, were being affected by climate change. It also affects the social fibre, in terms of poverty reduction, health and women's livelihoods. Mr Kuuzegh, who was addressing non-governmental organisations (NGOs) i= n Accra on Friday at a day's workshop, organised by the Youth Volunteers fo= r the Environment (YVE) Ghana, urged the youth to appreciate the problems associated with climate change and actively participate in its mitigation activities. He said the development of the NCCPF, as part of the work plan, was to ensure a climate resilient, compatible economy while achieving sustainable development and equitable low carbon growth for Ghana. The Director said government recognised that climate change affects every sector, hence the need to deal with institutions such as chieftaincy, district assemblies and voluntary organizations, to come out with their plans and suggestions, to address the impact which had become an obstacle t= o the continued development.

Mr Kuuzegh said the development of the NCCPF was a recognition that Ghana cannot afford to wait, adding that, policy decisions need to be robus= t enough to withstand many different scenarios and must be backed by effectiv= e monitoring, reporting and verification.

Mr Lovans Owusu-Takyi, Executive Director of YVE, Ghana, said his NGO empowers youth groups in the sustainable development process and promote social justice by focussing on five key components. He said environmental education, social justice, youth empowerment, access to resources and biodiversity conservation and community led sustainable development were all strategies to confront climate change through advocacy.

He said the workshop was also aimed at bringing key stakeholders of th= e youth in Ghana and neighbouring countries to resolve the environmental problems caused by the changing climate. Mr Owusu-Takyi hoped that the workshop would lead to a National Youth Forum on Climate Change, to be organised later this year, to initiate the forming of a strong environmental movement in Ghana to support global efforts at reducing the impact of climate change.