Climate Dialogue

On September 3rd, 2024, Friends of the Nation (FoN), a civic-minded environmental organization, initiated a series of climate-smart activities involving communities and educational institutions within the Shama District. This initiative, which began two years prior, aims to raise awareness about the challenges posed by climate change variability, the associated risks, and the importance of adopting best practices to mitigate its effects. Mr. William Denkyi, a Project Officer at FoN, emphasized the significance of understanding the local impact on primary economic activities such as fisheries and farming in coastal districts like Shama and Ellembelle. “It is our solemn duty to empower these indigenous communities with the knowledge and tools necessary to address climate issues and to take proactive steps to safeguard their livelihoods,” he stated. He noted that schools and local communities are witnessing the tangible effects of climate change, such as increased flooding and reduced harvests, underscoring the urgency for localized action to lessen these impacts. The event also marked the establishment of a Community and  n Environmental Monitoring and Advocacy Club at Shama Senior High and Shama Technical Institute, fostering a commitment to environmental stewardship. Participant Madam Manasseh Allotey expressed her enthusiasm for the insights gained and vowed to contribute to environmental sustainability efforts. Mr. Nyan, the District NADMO officer, highlighted the critical role of educating young people and children about environmental protection as a fundamental step towards halting environmental degradation. The session included a drama performance to illustrate the consequences of improper waste disposal and other detrimental environmental behaviours. Mr. Nyan concluded, “Our ultimate goal is to prevent the severe consequences of climate change variability.”