Bridging the Gap: A High-Level Conference on Climate Change in Northern Ghana
A significant event took place in Tamale, focusing on addressing climate change challenges in the savannah ecological zone of Northern Ghana. The conference, titled “Savannah Climate Conference,” was organized by YEFL-Ghana, an NGO, in partnership with the Faculty of Sustainable Development at the University for Development Studies (UDS). The event aimed to bridge the gap between academic research and community-driven climate action, emphasizing the need for inclusive and impactful solutions.
The conference was supported financially by Oxfam in Ghana and held under the theme “Savannah Solutions: Local Actions with Inclusion, Innovation and Impact.” It brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including academics, youth groups, civil society organizations, persons with disabilities, and other development partners. This broad participation highlighted the importance of collaboration in tackling climate-related issues.
Madam Vera Jawol Magan, Executive Director of YEFL-Ghana, stressed the urgency of developing collaborative, inclusive, and evidence-based solutions to combat the growing climate crisis in the savannah zone. She pointed out several challenges affecting the region, such as erratic rainfall, deforestation, land degradation, and declining agricultural productivity. Her speech emphasized the need to strengthen the connection between institutions of higher learning and grassroots communities impacted by climate change.
Magan explained that while there is a wealth of climate knowledge within academia, its practical application at the community level remains limited. She highlighted that the partnership with UDS aims to make research findings more accessible and actionable, particularly for the youth and other vulnerable groups who are often excluded from climate discussions.
One of the key highlights of the conference was a presentation by the UDS Faculty of Sustainable Development. They shared findings from a 60-page survey focused on the drivers of commercial charcoal production in the savannah ecological zone and its environmental impacts. The survey concluded that although commercial charcoal burning could not be completely eliminated, interventions such as carbon financing, promoting improved cooking stoves, and establishing inter-agency coordination platforms were essential. It also recommended the development of a lighter regulatory framework to monitor and manage activities in the charcoal sector effectively.
Mr Dokurugu Wumbei, Regional Programme Coordinator for Youth Education and Gender Equality at Oxfam in Ghana, reiterated Oxfam’s commitment to climate action, environmental sustainability, and inclusive dialogue. He encouraged all stakeholders to take advantage of the conference to collectively address the pressing climate challenges in the region.
Dr Emmanuel Abeere-inga, Chief Executive Officer of the Northern Development Authority, described forests and land resources as the lifelines of the savannah ecological zone. He warned that these resources are under increasing threat from deforestation and unsustainable land use. The government, through initiatives like the Tree for Life program, is working to restore degraded lands using agroforestry and reforestation strategies. He emphasized that forest conservation should be viewed not just as an environmental imperative but also as a sustainable livelihood strategy.
Mr Ali Adolf John, the Northern Regional Minister, whose speech was read on his behalf, commended YEFL-Ghana and its partners for their initiative. He pledged full support towards translating the conference outcomes into practical policies and programs that enhance the climate resilience of communities in the region.
