By: Gladys Essuman, Bsc. Earth Science – Volunteer

Kwainoo is a 40-year-old fisherman from a small coastal town in Ghana’s Volta Region. For years, he relied on the sea to feed his family and support his community. But as the tides rose and the storms grew stronger, Kwainoo’s livelihood began to disappear. The fish disappeared, the beaches eroded, and his home was threatened. Eventually, he was forced to join the growing number of climate migrants, leaving behind the only life he knew.

This is Kwainoo’s story, and it’s playing out in communities across Ghana. Climate change is no longer a distant threat; it’s a harsh reality that’s forcing people to flee their homes and livelihoods. Ghana’s coastal regions are on the frontlines of climate change, with rising sea levels, increased storm surges, and changing rainfall patterns affecting agriculture, fisheries, and livelihoods (World Bank, 2020).

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA, 2015), coastal erosion is a major concern, with many communities facing displacement and loss of land. In fact, Ghana loses approximately 2% of its coastal land annually due to erosion, affecting over 100,000 people (World Bank, 2020). This has significant implications for agriculture, which is a significant contributor to Ghana’s GDP (18.3% in 2020) and employs over 40% of the workforce (GSS, 2020).

KEY IMPACTS

The impact of climate change on agriculture is far-reaching, affecting crop yields, food security, and economic livelihoods. Changes in rainfall patterns are also impacting water availability, affecting agriculture, human consumption, and ecosystems (International Water Management Institute, 2018). A study by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO, 2020) projects that climate change could lead to a 10% decline in Ghana’s agricultural GDP by 2050.

As climate change continues to affect Ghana’s coastal communities, displacement and migration are becoming increasingly common. Rising sea levels and extreme weather events are forcing people to migrate, often to urban areas or other regions (IOM, 2020). The Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (2020) reports that 13,000 people were displaced in Ghana due to floods and storms in 2020 alone.

The human cost of climate change is profound, affecting livelihoods, culture, and well-being. Many people are forced to adapt to new environments, often with limited resources and support. Climate change is exacerbating existing vulnerabilities, particularly for women, children, and the elderly (UNICEF, 2020). According to UNICEF (2020), 1 in 5 children in Ghana are exposed to severe climate-related shocks.

COMMUNITY-LED INITIATIVES

Engaging local communities in climate resilience planning is crucial to ensure that interventions are effective and culturally appropriate (Abednego Adjei Baffour, 2025). Community-led climate resilience initiatives are empowering local communities to take charge of their own climate adaptation and mitigation efforts (Sylvia Hagan et al., 2025).

Some examples of community-led climate resilience initiatives in Ghana include climate-smart agriculture, community-based conservation, and village savings and loans associations (VSLAs) (F. Gbedemah et al., 2024). These initiatives are often supported by local organizations, NGOs, and government agencies, which provide technical assistance, funding, and other resources.

To promote climate resilience in Ghana’s agricultural sector, several strategies are being implemented, including climate-smart agriculture, irrigation expansion, warehouse receipt systems, and agricultural insurance (Abednego Adjei Baffour, 2025).

Ghana is experiencing severe climate change impacts, with rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, and increased extreme weather events. Recent research highlights the urgent need for climate action, including transitioning to renewable energy, promoting climate-smart agriculture, and building resilient infrastructure (Abednego Adjei Baffour, 2025).

To support climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts in Ghana, there are several actions that can be taken. Donating to organizations working on climate-resilient projects, such as reforestation and sustainable agriculture, can make a significant difference. Additionally, making lifestyle changes to reduce carbon footprint, such as using public transport or reducing meat consumption, can also contribute to a more sustainable future (EPA, 2015).

Kwainoo’s story is a testament to the human impact of climate change. As we move forward, it’s essential to prioritize climate action and support those affected by this growing crisis.

Take Action Today!

• Reduce your carbon footprint by using public transport, walking, or biking
• Support organizations working on climate-resilient projects in Ghana
• Raise awareness about climate change and its impact on Ghanaian communities
• Advocate for climate policies that prioritize the needs of vulnerable communities

References:

Abednego Adjei Baffour, W. C. (2025). Community-led climate resilience initiatives in Ghana. Journal of Climate Change and Development, 17(1), 1-12.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), (2015). Ghana’s Climate Change Policy.

Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), (2020). Climate Change and Food Security in Ghana.

Ghana Statistical Service (GSS), (2020). Ghana Living Standards Survey Round 7.

Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre, (2020). Ghana: Floods and Storms.

International Organization for Migration (IOM), (2020). Climate Change and Migration in Ghana.

International Water Management Institute, (2018). Climate Change and Water Resources in Ghana.

Sylvia Hagan, et al. (2025). Climate-smart agriculture in Ghana: A review of the evidence. Journal of Agriculture and Food Security, 4(1), 1-15.

UNICEF, (2020). Climate Change and Children in Ghana.

World Bank, (2020). Ghana Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment.