Ghana’s Climate Change Crisis Largely Driven by Human Activities — Ashanti Regional EPA Director

The Ashanti Regional Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Dr. Jackson Adiyiah Nyantakyi, has attributed the increasing impact of climate change in Ghana to irresponsible human activities, warning that the country risks facing more severe environmental disasters if urgent action is not taken to reverse the trend.

According to him, many of the environmental challenges confronting Ghana today are self-inflicted, resulting from activities that continue to destroy the country’s natural resources and ecological systems.

Dr. Nyantakyi made the remarks during a press conference held in Kumasi on Thursday to commemorate this year’s World Environment Day celebration. The event brought together environmental stakeholders, government officials, students, civil society organizations, and members of the media to discuss the growing threat of climate change and the need for collective action to protect the environment.

Addressing journalists, the EPA Director expressed concern over the widespread destruction of forests, water bodies, and farmlands through human activities such as illegal mining, indiscriminate tree felling, bush burning, improper waste disposal, and pollution.

He noted that although climate change is a global challenge, local actions continue to play a significant role in worsening its effects in Ghana.

“Our irresponsible activities are contributing immensely to climate change. The way we treat our environment has direct consequences on our weather patterns, water resources, agricultural productivity, and public health,” he stated.

Dr. Nyantakyi explained that the increasing frequency of floods, prolonged dry spells, rising temperatures, erratic rainfall patterns, and declining agricultural yields are among the visible effects of climate change being experienced across the country.

He further observed that the destruction of forest reserves and the degradation of water bodies have reduced the environment’s natural ability to regulate climate conditions, making communities more vulnerable to extreme weather events.

The EPA Regional Director particularly condemned illegal mining activities, popularly known as galamsey, describing them as one of the greatest environmental threats facing the nation. He said the practice continues to destroy vast tracts of land and pollute rivers that serve as sources of drinking water for many communities.

Dr. Nyantakyi stressed that environmental protection should not be viewed as the sole responsibility of government agencies but rather as a shared responsibility requiring the active participation of every Ghanaian.

He therefore appealed to citizens to adopt environmentally responsible lifestyles by planting more trees, properly managing waste, avoiding activities that pollute water bodies, and supporting initiatives aimed at restoring degraded ecosystems.

He also called on traditional leaders, religious institutions, schools, community groups, and the media to intensify public education on environmental conservation and climate change mitigation.

According to him, changing attitudes towards the environment remains critical to safeguarding the future of the country and ensuring sustainable development for generations yet unborn.

Dr. Nyantakyi cautioned that failure to act now could lead to worsening environmental conditions, food insecurity, water shortages, and increased vulnerability to climate-related disasters.

As Ghana joined the rest of the world to mark World Environment Day, he urged citizens to translate awareness into action by becoming active participants in protecting the environment.

He emphasized that every individual has a role to play in combating climate change and preserving the country’s natural resources, adding that collective action remains the most effective way to secure a healthier and more sustainable future for all.

World Environment Day is observed annually to encourage awareness and action for the protection of the environment. The occasion serves as a platform for governments, institutions, communities, and individuals to reflect on environmental challenges and renew their commitment to sustainable environmental management.

 

Source: ghanawatchonline.com/0546062832