ActionAid Ghana, an international NGO, has planted trees at Kpanvo Islamic Primary School in the Tamale Metropolis as part of its climate campaign dubbed: “Climate Justice and Financing”.
The initiative sought to promote afforestation and improve environmental conditions across northern parts of the country.
It was on the theme: “Funding a Just Transition: Innovative Approaches to Climate Finance for Vulnerable Communities”.
It brought together members of ActionAid’s Activista network and the Young Urban Women’s Movement (YUWM).
Mr Alhassan Alhassan, Assistant Headmaster of Kpanvo Islamic Primary School, speaking during the exercise, expressed gratitude to ActionAid Ghana for selecting the school for the exercise.
He said the tree planting exercise would not only benefit the Northern Region but also directly improve the school environment.
He said, “The trees will provide shelter and protect us from heavy winds. As the Assistant Headmaster, I will ensure that students take care of the plants and nurture them until they grow into full trees.”
Mr Alhassan commended ActionAid Ghana for providing the school with a borehole and said it would help sustain the trees, adding “Now, we have enough water to water the plants in the mornings and evenings to ensure their proper growth.”
After planting the trees, ActionAid Ghana and its stakeholders held a panel discussion at YUWM Resource Centre at Tutingli, a suburb of Tamale, focusing on climate change and financing.
The panelists delved into the causes and effects of climate change as well as practical ways individuals and institutions could contribute to mitigate the situation.
They emphasized shared responsibilities of citizens and government in addressing climate challenges and called on government to enforce environmental policies, improve irrigation through dam construction, and fund green businesses.
Mrs Beatrice Yanman Biije, Northern Regional Programmes Manager for ActionAid Ghana, said communities were already experiencing the harsh realities of climate change.
Mrs Biije said, “Farmers, especially women, who depend on rain-fed agriculture, are suffering from prolonged droughts and unpredictable rainfall patterns.”
She added that “This campaign is timely for ActionAid and its social movements; Activista, the Young Urban Women’s Movement, and smallholder women farmers because we believe the government must now take decisive action to address climate issues.”
She underscored the need for adequate financing to support climate adaptation, saying “Without finances, it’s just talk. We need climate financing now to ensure cleaner, fairer livelihoods that support sustainable development for women and young people, who are on the frontlines of climate change.”
Mrs Biije explained that planting trees was a strategic part of the campaign and encouraged year-round tree planting. “We chose schools because children need to be involved and educated about climate change from young age.”
Dr Kodimah Sita, Executive Director, Center for Opportunities and Rural Development, highlighted need for collaborative efforts in tackling poverty and climate challenges. He said, “As we talk about poverty, we must recognize that people’s livelihoods are being destroyed by droughts, floods, and other climate impacts. Government should work with civil society organizations and development partners to mobilize support.”
