The Centre for Climate Change and Food Security (CCCFS) has welcomed Ghana’s $25 billion agreement under the Ghana Green Guard Initiative but is urging the government to ensure that the benefits reach vulnerable communities directly affected by climate change.

The agreement, a partnership between Ghana’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), CarbonPura, and the Private Sector Participation in Health (PSPH), aims to tackle environmental challenges while generating 305 million investment-grade carbon credits and $10.4 billion in revenue over 25 years.

However, in a press release signed by Dr Alexander Nti Kani, Deputy Director of Environmental and Climate Economics at CCCFS, stressed that economic gains alone are not enough without meaningful community-centered impact.

Ghana faces severe climate vulnerability, with extreme weather events threatening agriculture, water resources, and livelihoods.

An estimated 45,000 people are affected by flooding annually, while 13% of the population struggles with drought-related challenges. Economic losses from droughts, which amounted to $95 million in 2020, are projected to rise to $325 million per year by 2050 if climate change remains unchecked.

CCCFS is calling on the government to provide a clear and publicly accessible roadmap outlining specific actions, timelines, transparency measures, and governance frameworks for the initiative.

The organisation emphasises the importance of financial oversight, independent audits, and regular public disclosures on fund allocation and project progress to ensure accountability.

The group urges authorities to prioritise climate adaptation investments in agriculture, food security, water management, reforestation, and the fight against illegal mining (galamsey), which continues to degrade water bodies and farmland.

CCCFS also insists that vulnerable groups—especially women, children, and rural communities—must significantly benefit from the initiative.

Additionally, CCCFS calls on parliamentarians, civil society organisations, local leaders, and the media to hold stakeholders accountable. It stresses that financial resources from carbon and biodiversity monetisation must be used to improve the lives of those most affected by climate change and environmental degradation.

“The Ghana Green Guard Initiative is an opportunity for Ghana to lead in global climate action. Now is the time to turn commitments into action and set a standard for sustainable, inclusive, and transparent climate financing,” it stated.