Minister of State for Climate Change and Sustainability Seidu Issifu has emphasised the need for Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to take localised action to address the growing threat of climate change. He said the impacts of climate change were experienced differently by individuals and communities based on their geographical vulnerabilities, making local-level interventions critical. “Whether it is shifting weather patterns affecting our agricultural productivity, infrastructure, or water security challenges … climate change impacts are fundamentally local, and our response must be equally local,” he said.
Mr Issifu made the remarks in a speech read on his behalf at a stakeholders’ engagement in Wa on plans to establish climate change and sustainability units in all MMDAs across the country. Participants included municipal and district chief executives, coordinating directors, planning officers, and representatives of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) and the Forestry Commission. The initiative forms part of government efforts to strengthen sub-national climate action and enhance the capacity of local authorities to respond effectively to climate change challenges.
As part of the engagement, participants visited selected climate intervention sites in the region, including a reclaimed sand-winning site at Jonga in the Wa Municipality. Addressing the gathering, Mr Issifu observed that local government authorities must be at the forefront of climate action because of their critical role in building resilient communities through targeted investments and interventions. Here is a refined version in British English with improved flow: He explained that the proposed Climate Change and Sustainability Units would provide specialised expertise to support assemblies in integrating climate action into their medium-term development plans while improving their access to climate financing opportunities.
The minister acknowledged that many assemblies faced capacity gaps, including institutional barriers, inadequate resources, and limited technical expertise, which constrained effective climate planning and implementation. He said the establishment of the Office of the Minister of State for Climate Change and Sustainability was intended to help bridge those gaps through the coordination, mobilisation and effective utilisation of climate …
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