The Upper East Regional Chairman of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), William Nlanjerbor Jalulah, has made a clarion call for collaborative efforts to tackle the pressing issue of climate change and its detrimental effects.
Speaking at a public lecture organised by the Upper East Regional Branch of the GJA in partnership with USAID/Feed the Future Ghana Policy Link, Mr Jalulah underscored the severe impacts of climate change on agriculture, emphasing the urgent need for coordinated action.
“Climate change is having multifaceted and far-reaching consequences on agriculture worldwide, and Ghana, being an agrarian country, has not been spared. Farmers, who are the backbone of our nation’s food security, are grappling with reduced crop yields, dwindling water resources, and the spread of pests and diseases previously unseen in our areas. The livelihoods of countless families are being threatened as the very foundations of agricultural sustainability are being undermined,” he stated.
Mr Jalulah pointed out that the situation in the Upper East Region is particularly dire, with recent years witnessing a drastic reduction in rainfall patterns.
![](https://citinewsroom.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/FUTURE-2.jpg)
“It is against this background that the Upper East Regional Branch of the GJA, in partnership with USAID/Feed the Future Ghana Policy Link, is holding this lecture to not only educate us on matters of climate change but also to bring out recommendations that will lead to policy decisions by our government and other state actors,” he explained.
He emphasised the importance of achieving Goal 2 of the Sustainable Development Goals – ending hunger, achieving food security, improving nutrition, and promoting sustainable agriculture.
Speaking during a public lecture in Bolgatanga, Jalulah called for sustained actions from national, traditional, and community leaders, as well as public and private institutions.
Yunus Abdulai, the Country Lead for Feed the Future Ghana Policy Link Activity, shared insights from research on climate change, detailing its effects on agriculture, water, energy, and forestry. Abdulai noted that since 2022, Feed the Future Ghana Policy Link Activity has been working with policy stakeholders and the government of Ghana to implement strategies to combat climate change and improve food security.
Roy Ayariga, CEO of Green Plant Consult and former director of MoFA, guest speaker at the lecture identified human activities such as illegal gold mining (galamsey), bushfires, and charcoal burning as significant contributors to climate change in the country.
He indicated its impact on agriculture, including droughts, floods, and unpredictable rainfall patterns, and called for concerted efforts at mitigating.
The occasion also marked the launch of the 3rd Upper East Regional GJA Awards, scheduled to take place on August 30, 2024. Upper East Regional Minister, Dr. Hafiz Bin Salih, commended journalists for their role in upholding Ghana’s democracy over the years.
“Journalists have been at the forefront of advocating for human rights, social justice, and the plight of marginalised communities. They serve as guardians of our society, holding those in power accountable and ensuring that the voices of the voiceless are heard,” Rex Asanga, MCE for Bolgatanga read the speech on his behalf.
Explore the world of impactful news with CitiNewsroom on WhatsApp!
Click on the link to join the Citi Newsroom channel for curated, meaningful stories tailored just for YOU: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaCYzPRAYlUPudDDe53x
No spams, just the stories that truly matter! #StayInformed #CitiNewsroom #CNRDigital