Prioritise Urgent Climate Adaptation Measures on International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction- ActionAid Ghana

On this year’s International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR), ActionAid Ghana is firmly demanding substantial investment in climate adaptation to safeguard vulnerable coastal communities from the devastating impacts of climate change.

Communities along Ghana’s 550-kilometer coastline, from Ada to Anloga, are facing severe threats from rising sea levels and flooding that are destroying homes and livelihoods. For these families, every high tide brings overwhelming fear and uncertainty.

“Our coastal communities are at the frontline of a climate emergency. Ghana must take immediate action, this is not the time for empty promises. We need real investments in resilience and community-led solutions now"- John Nkaw, Country Director, ActionAid Ghana. 

Climate Disasters Are Escalating

According to the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), thousands have been displaced in the past decade as local economies collapse under the relentless pressure of climate shocks. ActionAid Ghana warns that without urgent action, climate disasters will exacerbate existing inequalities and reverse years of hard-fought development gains. We call on the government, private sector, and international partners to increase funding for climate adaptation and ensure resources are directed to the communities most at risk.

ActionAid Ghana Leads the Charge for Adaptation

ActionAid Ghana is spearheading the initiative titled “Improving Resilience of Coastal Communities in Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana,” funded by the Adaptation Fund and coordinated by UN-Habitat. 

Our focus areas include: 

1. Early Warning Systems (EWS): We are collaborating with local institutions to deploy community-based systems that deliver timely information, protecting lives in the process.

2. Nature-Based Solutions (NbS): We are restoring critical ecosystems like mangroves and wetlands to combat erosion and flooding, enhancing biodiversity and community resilience.

3. Adaptive Livelihoods: We are equipping women and youth with climate-resilient livelihoods to break the destructive cycle of poverty.

Demanding Immediate Action

While Ghana has made strides with the National Adaptation Plan (NAP), implementation is alarmingly slow and financing remains inadequate. 

ActionAid Ghana demands: 

• Increased national funding for local adaptation solutions - Enhanced coordination for the effective implementation of the NAP.
• Integration of climate adaptation into local development plans and budgets.
• Transparency in the use of climate funds to ensure direct community benefits We highlight the crucial need for public awareness and education in fostering long-term resilience across all sectors of society.

• A Call for Climate Justice NOW

  As the world reflects on this year’s IDDRR theme, ActionAid Ghana insists that words are no longer sufficient. We need immediate action, sustained investment, and uncompromising protection for those who are bearing the brunt of the climate crisis.

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