A group of Members of Parliament (MPs) has visited rice farms near Akuse in the Greater Accra Region to observe firsthand the methane emissions produced during rice cultivation — part of efforts to strengthen Ghana’s climate action policies in the agricultural sector.

The field visit followed a technical workshop on methane reduction strategies in agriculture, where experts identified rice paddies as a major source of methane, a potent greenhouse gas contributing to global warming.

The tour was designed to help lawmakers translate scientific insights into practical understanding by witnessing farm practices and engaging directly with farmers and local technicians on the ground.

During the visit, agricultural experts explained how anaerobic (oxygen-free) conditions in flooded rice paddies lead to methane generation, especially during the mid-growth stages when water levels are maintained to support plant health.

Several MPs underscored the importance of balancing climate goals with farmers’ livelihoods, emphasising the need for capacity building, access to affordable inputs, and the expansion of agricultural extension services to support low-emission practices.

They also called for policies that integrate sustainable farming techniques into Ghana’s national climate framework, including potential subsidies and financing models for farmers who adopt climate-friendly technologies.

“What we saw today reinforces the need for practical, farmer-centred solutions that protect livelihoods while protecting the climate,” one MP noted at the end of the visit.

Parliament is expected to incorporate the findings from the visit into a broader policy framework aimed at promoting climate-smart agriculture and supporting Ghana’s commitment to reducing methane emissions.