Ghana’s main economic sectors – agriculture, forestry, and energy production – are sensitive to rising temperatures, changes in rain patterns and more frequent extreme weather events. Since 2014, UN CC:Learn has been working with the Ghanaian government and other stakeholders towards a better climate change and green economy learning strategy to help the country deal with these challenges.

 

Building a National Climate Change Learning Strategy

Ghana launched its National Climate Change Policy in July 2014, setting out clear pathways for dealing with climate change challenges and for promoting a greener economy. Our work aims to support the implementation of this policy, as well as its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC). With these objectives in mind, we supported the implementation of Ghana’s National Climate Change Policy as well as its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC). With this objective, we supported the Ghanaian government to develop a National Climate Change and Green Economy Learning Strategy.

Launched in 2016, the government leads the strategy implementation across different sectors, including the integration of climate change into the general education system.

The strategy is the result of a 15-month consultation process under the leadership of the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It is structured around the five thematic areas of the National Climate Change Policy, and includes general education as an additional theme. It includes 13 priority actions for which national and international support is sought.

The strategy is available in English and can be downloaded below:

To inform the development of the strategy, a background report was produced by the Institute of Green Growth Solutions under the auspices of MESTI, EPA, UNDP and UN CC:Learn.

The background report can be downloaded here

Turning the Strategy into Actions

Advancing Climate Change and Green Economy Education

The Ghana Education Service, together with MESTI and EPA, has worked towards integrating climate change and green economy education into the school curriculum.

A roadmap was developed during a first stakeholder meeting in September 2016. The roadmap foresees a forum with key stakeholders in the educational sector, the formation of a climate change education committee, a situational analysis, incorporation of climate change and green economy in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, development of learning materials, training of teachers and a transboundary youth programme.

A forum with key stakeholders from the education sector was held in October 2016. An overview of the state of climate change and green economy knowledge among schoolchildren and teachers was presented. This considers the situation in 45 schools, primary, junior and senior in five regions. The findings served as the starting point for the development of the framework for implementation.

Teaching and learning materials were then developed to support teaching and learning of climate change and green economy in Ghana at primary level. They covered key areas, such as the effects of climate change and efficient use of energy. The materials included illustrations, practical examples, and posters. Over 600 primary teachers have been trained on climate change and green economy.
EPA and GES are currently looking for partners to bring climate change and green economy literacy to secondary education, and to work with teachers training institutes to strengthen climate change and green economy issues in the standard training programme for teachers.

Our National Partners

Our work in Ghana is coordinated by the Environment Protection Agency (EPA), under the leadership of the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI).

Contacts

National Coordination

Dr. Emmanuel Tachie Obieng
National Focal Point
Climate change education, training and public awareness
Environment Protection Agency
PO. Box M.326, Accra, GR, Ghana
Phone: (00233)  0302 664697-8
Email: etachieobeng@gmail.com

UN Country Team Liaison

Mr. Paolo Dalla Stella
Sustainable Development Analyst
United Nations Development Programme – Ghana
United Nations House, Ring Road East, Accra
Tel. +233 302 215670-83 Ext. 629
Email: paolo.d.stella@undp.org

Project News and Activities

Ghana Rallies Its Citizens to Build Climate Change Awareness                                                                       06 April 2022 I Accra, Ghana

Ghana Trains Over 600 Primary School Teachers on Climate Change and Green Economy                           23 March 2020 | Ghana

Ghana Accelerates Agenda for Climate Change Learning in Schools
14 August 2017 | Accra, Ghana

Up for the Challenge! Ghana Aims to Educate All School Children About Climate Change
29 May 2017 | Accra, Ghana

Ghanaians Celebrate Climate Change and Green Economy Week
28 October 2016 | Accra, Ghana

Validation of the Strategy on its Way
15 May 2016 | Ghana

Identification of Synergies between Green Economy and Climate Change
14 April 2016 | Accra, Ghana

Organisation of Stakeholder Meeting to Discuss Priority Areas
29 September 2015 | Legon, Ghana

Strengthening Education and Training in Support of Ghana’s Ambitious Climate Change Response
05 August 2015 | Accra, Ghana

UN CC:Learn Ambassador Mr. Bob Natifu Shares Experience in Ghana
05 August 2015 | Ghana