Experts Convene to Propose Evidence-Based Solutions to Combat Climate Change
Over 300 participants from 40 countries have taken part in the 7th African Evidence to Action Conference (E2A2024) and Exhibition, hosted by the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER) and co-organised with the International Centre for Evaluation and Development (ICED).
The three-day conference under the theme; 'Resilience and Climate Change Adaptation', sought to explore the linkages and synergies between the two key concepts which are essential for addressing the impacts of climate change, especially in Africa.
During the opening ceremony, Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, in her remarks stated her excitement that UG was the destination choice to assemble ‘high calibre persons across academia, policymakers and practitioners.’
‘At this time in the history of our countries, bringing policymakers, practitioners and researchers together to deliberate on the challenges posed by climate change, with the view to identifying and proposing solutions, is indeed a laudable initiative. At the University of Ghana, deepening our partnerships with relevant stakeholders to proffer solutions to global problems remains a crucial part of our long-term strategic vision,’ Prof. Amfo noted.
She expressed hope that participants will take home ‘actionable measures to provide climate change adaptation solutions and strengthen our resilience to reverse the devastating effects of climate change.’
In declaring the Conference officially opened, Keynote Speaker, Hon. Ophelia Mensah-Hayford, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation remarked that, increasing a nation's capacity to adapt to climate change can help vulnerable societies become resilient and better positioned to combat the menace.
"It is my hope that this conference will come out with homegrown solutions to solve the problems posed by climate change within our sub-region,” she added.
Prof. Peter Quartey, Director of ISSER, expressed his gratitude to all who contributed to making the conference a reality. "This conference marks many months of dedicated work by a joint team from ISSER, ICED and other partner organisations," he said.
He pointed out the relevance of the theme, stating, "ISSER is deeply committed to advancing research policy and solutions that address these challenges. Let us seize this opportunity to create a future where evidence practices become the norm."
On his part, Dr. David S. Ameyaw, President/CEO of ICED, reflected on the Evidence to Action Conference’s evolution since its inception in 2017, inspired by the need for Africa to shape its development priorities with sound evidence generated on the continent.
Dr. Ameyaw noted that the conference has been held in Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia and Ghana, with this year's edition being the second to be hosted by ISSER.
"Our goal and expectation is that through the discussions, the presentations and deliberations, Africans will develop solutions to adapt to the impact of climate change."
Andrew Read, Economic Growth Office Director at the USAID Mission in Ghana, highlighted USAID's initiatives in Ghana to build resilience against climate change effects. He urged participants to share best practices, identify resilient strategies and commit to finding solutions through collaborations and partnerships.
"Together, we can develop innovative solutions toward a more climate-resilient Ghana,’’ he concluded.
There were roundtable discussions and plenary presentations featuring notable speakers including Prof. Kwaku Appiah-Adu, Special Advisor at the Vice President’s Secretariat, Ghana; Dr. Emmanuel Marfo, Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Environment and Science, Ghana; Prof. Elvis Asare-Bediako, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Energy and Natural Resources, Ghana; Dr. Namanga Ngongi, Board Chairman of the International Centre for Evaluation and Development and Dr. Evans Aggrey-Darkoh, Head of Civil Service, Ghana.
The conference also included an exhibition of scientific publications and climate-smart products.
The opening ceremony witnessed a cultural performance by the Ghana Dance Ensemble.