Climate change in Ghana

Climate change in Ghana will have wide reaching impacts on the country. Because the country sits at the intersection of three hydro-climatic zones, the climate of Ghana is expected to become incredibly variable.[1] Based on a 20-year baseline climate observation, it is forecasted that maize and other cereal crop yields will reduce by 7% by 2050. Available data also shows a sea level rise of 2.1 mm per year over the last 30 years, indicating a rise of 5.8 cm, 16.5 cm and 34.5 cm by 2020, 2050 and 2080.

Changes in rainfall, other extreme weather and sea level rise and salinity of coastal waters, is expected to negatively food security, in both farming and in fisheries.[2] The national economy stands to suffer from the impacts of climate change because it is dependent on climate sensitive-sectors such as agriculture, energy, forestry, etc. Moreover, access to freshwater is expected to create challenges for both sanitary water, and hydropower which provides 54% of the country's electric capacity.[2] Additionally, Ghana will likely see certain diseases, like malaria and cholera exacerbated by changing weather conditions.[3]

Political action

The first national climate change adaptation strategy in Ghana was developed to be implemented between 2010-2020.[4] The Ministry of Environment Science, Technology and Innovation published a policy framework in 2013.[5]

Impact on agriculture
Further information: Agriculture in Ghana

45 percent of the workforce in Ghana depends on small-holder rain-fed agriculture.[2] Disruption due to erratic rainfall and other extreme weather.[2] Moreover, staple crops, such as Cassava and Maize, the major cash crop of Cocoa are expected to seeing decreased production.[2]

Fisheries
Further information: Fishing_in_Ghana

Seafood makes up 40-60 percent of protein intake in Ghana.[2] Key species for the economy are expected to have worse reproduction cycles.[2]

Water resources

Expected decreases to water in the primary rivers basins providing fresh water for the country, Volta River, Bia River and Tano River, could increase challenges in getting access to clean drinking water.[2]

Hydropower
Further information: Electricity sector in Ghana

Because 54% of national generation capacity is hydropower. Unpredictable rainfall is likely to add uncertainty to a power grid already experiencing frequent outages (known as dumsor).[2] Some estimates suggest that capacity could fall by as much as 50% for the Volta Basin.[2]

Public health
Further information: Effects of global warming on human health and Health in Ghana

Research projects an increase in waterborne diseases such as cholera and mosquito-borne diseases like malaria.[2]

References
  1. "Ghana". Climatelinks. Retrieved 2020-04-22.
  2. "Climate Risk Profile: Ghana". Climatelinks. USAID. January 2017. Retrieved 2020-04-22.
  3. Lipp, Erin K.; Huq, Anwar; Colwell, Rita R. (October 2002). "Effects of Global Climate on Infectious Disease: the Cholera Model". Clinical Microbiology Reviews. 15 (4): 757–770. doi:10.1128/CMR.15.4.757-770.2002. ISSN 0893-8512. PMID 12364378.
  4. National Climate Change Adaptation Strategy. UNEP/UNDP. November 2012.
  5. "Ghana National Climate Change Policy". Green Growth Knowledge Platform. 2018-07-23. Retrieved 2020-04-22.
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