- Ghana's Parliament launches Climate and Disability Caucuses.
- Climate Caucus focuses on sustainable development and environmental conservation.
- Disability Caucus promotes inclusivity and accessibility for persons with disabilities.
- Launch emphasizes need for inclusivity in climate change fight.
The Parliament of Ghana has launched the Climate and Disability Caucuses, a significant step towards addressing the pressing issues of climate change and promoting inclusivity for persons with disabilities.
The launch, held under the theme “Strengthening Legislative Action for Climate Resilience and Sustainable Development in Ghana,” demonstrates Parliament’s commitment to advocacy, awareness, legislative action, accessibility, inclusion, and collaboration.
The impact of climate change is far-reaching, affecting the socio-economic fabric of society, reducing access to water resources, and creating food insecurity, poverty, and social vulnerability. The Ghana State of the Environment report in 2017 identified the most sensitive climate sectors in Ghana, including agriculture, health, water resources, built infrastructure, transportation, energy, and waste.
To address these challenges, the Climate Caucus aims to enhance resilience and adapt to changing conditions, promoting sustainable development practices that prioritize environmental conservation.
The Ghana Parliamentary Climate Caucus will advocate for policies and initiatives that promote conservation and sustainable use of natural resources, focusing on areas such as climate-resilient water transportation routes, energy infrastructure, and climate-smart agriculture.
The Rt Hon Speaker, Mr Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, expressed his deep commitment to the welfare of persons with disabilities, citing the Directive Principle’s mandate to create a free and just society for all. Dr Clement Apaak, Chairman of the Disability Caucus, emphasized the need to personalize disability issues, noting that anyone can become disabled at any time.
Dr Emmanuel Marfo, Chairman of the Climate Committee, highlighted the importance of inclusivity in the fight against climate change, citing negative impacts such as crop losses, property damage, and displacement of communities.
The launch of the Climate and Disability Caucuses marks a significant step towards creating a more sustainable and inclusive society, and Parliament’s dedication to addressing these critical issues will have a lasting impact on Ghana’s future.
