The Acting Director of the Climate Change Unit at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Dr. Emmanuel Tachie-Obeng has stressed the importance of protecting Ghana’s environment, warning of the severe consequences if the country continues on its current path of environmental degradation.
He explained that the destruction of water bodies, forests, and agricultural lands will ultimately lead to conditions where human life becomes unsustainable.
He made these remarks during the launch of the 2024 Climate Change Week, an initiative designed to raise awareness about the urgent need for a national shift in mindset and behavior towards environmental preservation.
The event, themed “Greening Education, Changing Our Mindset, Changing Our Lifestyle,” will run from October 14 to October 18, 2024, and focuses on encouraging sustainable practices to protect the country’s natural resources.
The launch comes at a time of growing concern over the impact of illegal mining activities, known as galamsey, which have caused widespread damage to forests and water bodies. The EPA is calling for a collective effort to address this ongoing environmental destruction and to adopt more responsible practices that safeguard the future.
The 2024 Climate Change Week will feature a series of activities, including a media-focused session to educate the public on climate change, a public procession, and a National Symposium aimed at engaging various sectors of society in discussions on climate action. The week will also include a Youth Dialogue between Ghana and Japan, as well as an unveiling of artwork depicting the devastating effects of climate change on the country’s environment.