Climate Change Minister pays courtesy call on Samini Paramount Queen Mother

The Minister of State for Climate Change and Sustainability, Seidu Issifu, has paid a courtesy call on the Paramount Queen Mother of the Samini Traditional Area, Poanaa Ayishetu Abdulai Shinga I (The First), as part of his ongoing engagements with traditional leaders and key stakeholders to advance Ghana’s climate change and sustainability agenda.

The visit formed part of the Minister’s tour of the northern part of the country, which seeks to strengthen collaboration with traditional authorities and local government structures in addressing the increasing challenges posed by climate change.

Seidu Issifu used the occasion to acknowledge the important contribution of traditional leaders to national development, particularly their influence in mobilising communities and promoting initiatives that protect the environment and support sustainable livelihoods.

He noted that the effects of climate change are increasingly being felt by communities across the country, making it imperative for the government and stakeholders to work together to develop practical and sustainable solutions.

The Minister also highlighted the importance of establishing Climate Change Units within Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to enhance the coordination of climate-related programmes and ensure that climate action is effectively integrated into local development planning.

According to him, strengthening climate governance at the local level will enable communities to better identify their climate vulnerabilities and implement appropriate measures to build resilience.

Seidu Issifu further stressed that traditional authorities have a vital role to play in driving climate awareness and encouraging communities to adopt environmentally responsible practices.

He called for continued cooperation between traditional institutions, MMDAs and other relevant stakeholders to achieve meaningful progress in the fight against climate change.

The courtesy visit to Poanaa Ayishetu Abdulai Shinga I (The First) provided a platform for the Minister to deepen engagement with traditional leadership and reinforce the need for a united approach to tackling climate-related challenges.

The engagement forms part of a wider stakeholder outreach programme by the Office of the Minister of State for Climate Change and Sustainability, aimed at taking climate action to the grassroots, strengthening local climate governance and building resilient communities capable of withstanding the impacts of a changing climate.