UG Leads Research on Climate Resilience, Organises Policy Dialogue to Advance Efforts Under Mastercard-Funded Initiative
The University of Ghana, through its Collaborative on Climate Resilience and Sustainability (UG-CCReS) initiative funded by the Mastercard Foundation, is spearheading research and policy discussions to strengthen climate resilience among vulnerable groups.
As part of this effort, the UG-CCReS team recently hosted a high-level policy dialogue, bringing together key stakeholders to develop actionable strategies for mitigating the impact of climate change.
Held under the theme "Supporting Resilience Against the Effects of Climate Change in Vulnerable Groups," the event brought together participants from diverse sectors, including academia, industry, media, non-governmental organisations, and government agencies. The discussions focused on promoting inclusive climate resilience strategies, formulating policies to support vulnerable groups, and strengthening partnerships to drive sustainable solutions.
Opening the dialogue, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, emphasised the University’s commitment to advancing climate action through interdisciplinary research, innovation and partnerships, as exemplified by the UG-CCReS initiative.
Prof. Amfo said the high-level policy dialogue is a crucial platform to foster collaboration, drive impactful solutions and amplify Africa’s voice in global climate resilience efforts.
Presenting an overview of the project, UG-CCReS Project Director and Pro Vice-Chancellor responsible for Academic and Student Affairs, Prof. Gordon Awandare, described UG-CCReS as a transformative initiative to support innovative research and capacity-building to enhance adaptation and resilience to the effects of Climate Change in West Africa.
He noted that the project's core objective is empowering young people, particularly women, youth with disabilities, refugees and displaced youth.
Delivering the Keynote Address, the Minister of State at the Presidency responsible for Climate Change and Sustainability, Honorable Baba Seidu Issifu, emphasised the critical role of multi-stakeholder engagement in addressing climate resilience and sustainability.
The Minister also underscored the importance of domesticating the fight against climate change and fostering greater collaboration among policymakers, academia, civil society and the private sector.
In a short message, the CEO of the Private Enterprise Federation of Ghana, Dr. Nana Osei Bonsu, highlighted the private sector’s role in aligning business operations with climate sustainability.
He noted that this approach would drive economic and environmental stability, create job opportunities, and ensure a resilient future for Ghana and beyond.
A panel session explored the impacts of Climate Change on vulnerable groups and possible strategies for addressing these challenges. The panellists included Prof. George Acheampong, Implementation Coordinator, UG-CCReS Innovation and Entrepreneurship; Mr. Alexander Kojo Tetteh, President, Centre for Employment of Persons with Disabilities; Mr. Ernest Senyo Dzandu, Managing Consultant, CDC Consult and Ms. Valerie Nutakor, Country Programme Assistant, Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN) Ghana.
The dialogue was chaired by the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Mark Aboagye, who expressed his members’ commitment to supporting the University of Ghana’s initiative. He recounted that the chamber recently conducted a financial education programme for women and through that, the devastating effects of climate change on vulnerable groups have become more evident.
He also assured participants of the private sector’s intentions of addressing climate change by fostering the creation of a circular, green and resilient economy which would meet the shared expectation of participants at the dialogue.