Ghanaians Demand Urgent Climate Action with Developed Countries’ Support
According to the latest Afrobarometer survey, a majority of Ghanaians are calling for their government to take immediate, decisive climate action, backed by financial and technical support from developed nations.
As Ghana faces worsening environmental challenges, citizens are pressing for bold measures to combat climate change despite potential economic trade-offs.
The survey reveals that while less than half of Ghanaians (46%) are aware of climate change, those informed overwhelmingly believe the phenomenon is worsening life in Ghana.
Nearly seven in ten climate-aware citizens (69%) have observed its adverse effects, marking a sharp increase from 60% in 2022. Most attribute climate change to human activity (66%) or a combination of human and natural factors (10%).
Strong Public Support for Government Action
A clear majority of informed Ghanaians (71%) want the government to act swiftly to mitigate climate change, even if such efforts come with significant costs or economic disruptions. These demands are accompanied by widespread endorsement of policies such as investing in climate-resilient infrastructure (79%), expanding wind and solar energy (69%), and banning tree cutting for firewood or charcoal (52%).
The urgency for action comes as Ghanaians grapple with increasingly erratic weather patterns, rising temperatures, and environmental degradation that impact livelihoods, particularly in agriculture-dependent communities.
Developed Nations Under the Spotlight
In addition to local government efforts, three-quarters of climate-aware Ghanaians (76%) are calling on developed countries—the world’s largest contributors to global warming—to play a pivotal role in addressing the crisis. Citizens are urging these nations to fund climate adaptation projects and support Ghana in transitioning to cleaner technologies.
“The developed world must own up to its historical responsibility for global emissions and support vulnerable countries like Ghana in dealing with the fallout,” said a climate activist in Accra.
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Shifting Priorities Amid Economic Strains
Despite Ghana’s economic challenges, including high inflation and unemployment, the survey suggests that many citizens prioritize long-term environmental stability over immediate economic relief. However, some policies—such as requiring households to switch to cleaner cookstoves (37%) or promoting electric taxis and buses (41%)—garner less public support, reflecting concerns about affordability and feasibility.
A Call for Collaboration
The findings highlight the need for a united front between Ghana and the global community in addressing climate change. As Ghana prepares for future international climate negotiations, citizens’ voices are clear: the time for action is now, and global collaboration is key to protecting lives and livelihoods.
Afrobarometer’s survey, conducted with 2,400 respondents in August 2024, provides a representative snapshot of Ghanaians’ views with a margin of error of ±2 percentage points. The data underscores the growing demand for climate justice and the critical role of partnerships in building a resilient future for Ghana.
