Yagbonwura pledges Gonja Traditional Council's support for government's climate agenda

The King of Gonjaland, Yagbonwura Bikunuto Jewu Soale I, has pledged the support of the Gonja Traditional Council for the Government's climate change agenda, saying traditional leaders stand ready to work hand in hand with the state to protect the environment and build climate resilience.

The pledge was made when the Minister of State for Climate Change and Sustainability, Seidu Issifu, paid a courtesy call on the Yagbonwura in the Savannah Region on July 22, 2026, as part of a nationwide stakeholder consultation on climate governance and sustainability.

Addressing the gathering, the Yagbonwura said traditional authorities remain committed to supporting national efforts to safeguard the environment.

"Traditional leadership has always been the custodian of our lands, forests, water bodies and cultural heritage. We therefore stand ready to work hand in hand with Government because protecting the environment is not only a national responsibility, but also our sacred duty to future generations," he stated.

He pledged the full support of the Gonja Traditional Council for the successful implementation of climate and sustainability initiatives across the Savannah Region.

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Speaking during the engagement, Seidu Issifu said traditional institutions would play a critical role in achieving Ghana's climate objectives.

"Traditional leaders are not merely custodians of our culture; they are custodians of our ecosystems. Lasting climate solutions must be rooted in our communities, guided by indigenous knowledge and strengthened through partnerships between Government and traditional leadership. Together, we can build a climate-resilient Ghana that leaves no community behind," he noted.

Savannah Regional Minister Salisu Be-Awuribe also pledged the support of the Regional Coordinating Council and local assemblies, saying collaboration among government, traditional authorities and development partners would be key to translating the consultations into practical actions that strengthen climate resilience across the region.

The exercise is expected to lay the foundation for the establishment of a National Climate Change and Sustainability Hub and Climate Change and Sustainability Units within Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs).

The minister was accompanied by the Savannah Regional Minister, Salisu Be-Awuribe; the Savannah Regional Coordinating Director; Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives; representatives of the Regional Coordinating Council; officials of the Ghana Meteorological Agency; and representatives of the Global Centre for Climate Mobility.

MRA/AM

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