COP29 Ursula Owusu Ekuful Calls for Collective Action Against Climate

Ghana’s Minister for Communications and Digitalization, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, has highlighted the urgent need for proactive climate action in Ghana and globally.

She was speaking to Journalists courtesy of Jospong Group at the ongoing COP29 Climate Conference, where she acknowledges the far-reaching effects of climate alter.

She emphasized the importance of consistent engagement on the issue, rather than addressing it only in response to disasters.

“Climate alter is something that affects us all in so many ways,” she stated.

“We haven’t been active in speaking about it regularly. When we persist to speak about it, we can prevent more severe impacts.”

Ursula Owusu-Ekuful outlined Ghana's efforts to addressing climate obstacles, including collaboration among sectors and adapting tactics to changing climate patterns.

She cited how shifts in rainfall have affected farmers, explaining that the Ghana Meteorological Agency advised the Ministry of Agriculture to inform farmers to adjust planting schedules to the altered rainfall patterns.

Unfortunately, this guidance came too late for many farmers, leading to crop disruptions this season.

Coastal erosion and rising sea levels are also taking a toll on Ghana’s coastal communities, underscoring the need for education and preparation among residents.

“People in coastal areas must be educated enough on what to do in such cases,” she said, highlighting the need for a coordinated tactic.

Ursula Owusu-Ekuful called on all government agencies to unite in developing a thorough approach to climate resilience.

She stressed the role of lifestyle changes and enforcement of environmental laws, suggesting these as steps to mitigate climate-related impacts on everyday life.

Echoing her concerns, she warned that unchecked climate alter could exacerbate inflation globally.

“Worsening climate impacts will put inflation on steroids unless every country can take bolder climate action,” she indicated, drawing parallels with the pandemic’s economic toll.

She emphasized climate finance as a form of "global inflation insurance" and called on the international community to prioritize the escalating costs of climate inaction.



Akosua Sarpong reporting from Baku, Azerbaijan