Naa Kadri Ibrahim, the chief of Jinpenhi in the Wala Traditional Area, has proposed that climate change be added to Ghana's school curriculum as a standalone subject. This, he believes, will equip young people with the knowledge and skills needed to respond to its impacts. Currently, climate-related issues are discussed in subjects such as science and social studies, but Naa Ibrahim argues that this approach does not give the issue the level of attention required.
Naa Ibrahim, also the Secretary to the Overlord of the Wala Traditional Area and Headteacher of Fongo E/A Junior High School in Wa, made this proposal in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Wa. He emphasized that climate change has become a critical development issue that requires a more prominent place in the curriculum. According to him, the importance attached to climate change globally demonstrates the need for governments and educational institutions to give the issue greater prominence.
Mr Salifu Issifu Kanton, Executive Director of the Community Development Alliance (CDA), has expressed concerns about the ineffective dissemination of climate change policies in Ghana. He noted that although Ghana's national climate change policies clearly outline responsibilities for climate change adaptation, weak communication of the policies has contributed to low awareness. As a result, many people remain unaware of their responsibilities in managing and adapting to climate change.
Mr Kanton explained that the limited knowledge of Ghana's climate change policies has resulted in a significant gap in awareness and capacity. He stressed that improved dissemination of climate change policies would help address this gap and enable people to better understand their roles in climate change adaptation. The CDA Director added that the organisation works to protect the environment and the rights of vulnerable populations, women, and youth, and has climate adaptation and climate justice as cross-cutting themes in its programmes.
The Community Development Alliance (CDA) adopts a community-based approach to climate adaptation, as communities experiencing climate impacts understand their vulnerabilities and challenges best. According to Mr Kanton, if sustainable climate intervention is to be achieved, it must be embedded in community systems, values, and norms, so that communities can take ownership of interventions implemented to help them adapt to climate change.
Naa Ibrahim and Mr Kanton both emphasize the need for a more comprehensive approach to addressing climate change in Ghana. They believe that including climate change as a standalone subject in the school curriculum and improving the dissemination of climate change policies will help build a more climate-resilient society. This, they argue, will enable young people and communities to better respond to the impacts of climate change.
The proposal to include climate change in the school curriculum and the concerns about the dissemination of climate change policies highlight the growing recognition of the importance of addressing climate change in Ghana. As the country continues to experience the impacts of climate change, stakeholders are calling for more effective measures to be put in place to mitigate its effects and build a more sustainable future.
Key points
- Naa Kadri Ibrahim proposes that climate change be added to Ghana's school curriculum as a standalone subject.
- Mr Salifu Issifu Kanton expresses concerns about the ineffective dissemination of climate change policies in Ghana.
- The Community Development Alliance adopts a community-based approach to climate adaptation.
