The Environment Report, a non-profit media advocacy platform, has called on the media to prioritise climate change issues as Ghana prepares for its general elections on December 7, 2024.

In a statement, the organiSation highlighted the increasing impact of climate change on the country, including food shortages, migration, and homelessness.

The statement pointed out that Ghana is facing a range of climate-related challenges, including extreme weather events, rising sea levels, disrupted ecosystems, biodiversity loss, health risks, and rising agricultural prices due to irregular water supply.

These issues, the organiSation noted, are further aggravated by illegal mining, logging in forest reserves, pollution of rivers, poor agricultural practices, and the open burning of waste.

“Unfortunately, these challenges are exacerbated by activities such as illegal mining and logging, pollution of water bodies, and poor waste management.

"Some companies’ actions also contribute to climate change, leading to floods that severely impact local communities who are not responsible for these problems,” the statement said, adding that these issues hinder Ghana’s ability to meet Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 6, 13, and 15, which are essential for the country’s socio-economic progress.

The Environment Report emphasised that government efforts to address environmental degradation have been insufficient, as evidenced by the continued destruction of forests, water bodies, and land.

The organisation stressed the urgent need for the media to take a more active role in highlighting climate change, particularly as political parties unveil their manifestos ahead of the elections.

“We urge the media to scrutinise the manifestos of all political parties and inform the public about their climate change policies and solutions.

"This will help voters make informed decisions when electing the next leader,” the statement said.

As part of its efforts, the NGO will also be engaging the public through its project "Connecting Communities, Climate and Politics for Tomorrow" (3CP for Tomorrow) in the Upper East, Northern, Volta, Western, and Ashanti regions.

The initiative aims to raise awareness about climate change and create a platform for citizens to scrutinise the policies of political parties on environmental issues.

The NGO hopes these efforts will empower voters to hold political parties accountable and push for concrete action on climate change as Ghana moves towards the December elections.