Transparency International (TI) Ghana has emphasised the urgent need to ensure citizens are not left behind in climate policy discussions, stating that many decisions are made on their behalf without their knowledge or input.It underscored the importance of adopting a strategic approach to advocacy, backed by documented evidence, with a particular focus on SDGs 16.4, 16.5, and 16.6, which promote justice and strong institutions.Speaking at a validation meeting on the Baseline Assessment of Climate Policy Knowledge and Uptake by Citizens held in Accra yesterday, the Executive Director of TI Ghana, Mrs Mary Awelana Addah, stressed that gaps in public participation and awareness could negatively impact the fight against corruption and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).She further noted that climate issues were interconnected with poverty, education, health, and gender, underscoring the urgency for coordinated action.The event formed part of a 12-month project titled "Strengthening Transparency and Integrity in Climate Governance in Ghana," being implemented by GII and supported by the Accountability Strengthening Programme (ASAP).The project aims to promote transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in climate policy planning and implementation at both national and local levels.The Project Coordinator at Transparency TI Ghana, Michael H.
Okai, in his presentation explained that the initiative focused on strengthening governance processes around climate change and ensuring that marginalised groups - such as women, farmers, and youth - had a voice in climate governance."The changes we're witnessing in our weather patterns are not accidental; they are largely driven by human activities such as deforestation, fossil fuel use, and illegal mining.
In Ghana, these actions are affecting climate-sensitive sectors like agriculture, fisheries, and forestry - which form the backbone of our economy," he said.He highlighted that Ghana's vulnerability to climate change made it crucial for citizens to actively engage in governance processes.The project, is therefore, designed to empower citizens through social accountability approaches, enabling them to demand transparency and take ownership of climate solutions beyond the project's duration.Mr Okai added that, as part of the initiative, a baseline assessment was conducted in six selected communities across three ecological zones.
The findings revealed significant knowledge gaps among citizens about climate policies and their implications.The validation meeting, according to him was to ensure the accuracy and credibility of the research findings, encourage stakeholder input, and foster collective ownership of the data and its implications."We don't want a situation where a consultant goes to the field, collects data, and that ends it.
