Credit: Kekeli K. Blamey
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Ghana has trained its Area officers on climate change to enhance their capacity to support Assemblies in mainstreaming climate change into planning processes. The one-day training, held at Sogakope in the South Tongu district of the Volta Region, aimed at equipping the officers with the necessary knowledge and skills to champion the climate change agenda.
Nana Dr. Antwi-Boasiako Amoah, Director of the Climate Change Department at the EPA, emphasized the importance of addressing climate change, highlighting that three greenhouse gases – carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide – account for almost 99% of total emissions. He also discussed the impact of climate change on sensitive economic sectors such as health, energy, and agriculture.
Madam Stella Okoh, Deputy Director at the EPA, stressed the need for a broader approach that incorporates gender perspectives into policies, programs, and activities. She encouraged participants to engage gender-diverse stakeholders, incorporate gender-sensitive indicators, and analyze gender roles in the climate context.
Mr. Derrick Logo, Area Director of the Environmental Protection Agency in the South Tongu district, has charged officers to intensify their efforts in enforcing the agency’s objectives, particularly on matters regarding climate change.
He emphasized the importance of regulating and promoting environmental education on climate change, while encouraging residents to comply with relevant regulations.
Mr. Logo also urged the officers to engage with local communities, raise awareness about the impacts of climate change, and promote sustainable practices.
The training included practical project work, where participants were taken through exercises on climate change and gender inclusivity.
This equipped them with hands-on experience in developing climate change projects that incorporate gender considerations.
The participants expressed gratitude to the facilitators, noting that the training would enhance their operations in the district and beyond. The training was part of the EPA’s efforts to build the capacity of its staff and stakeholders to address climate change and promote sustainable development.
