With a growing population and an economy reliant on industries like agriculture, Ghana faces increasing climate vulnerability, similar to many West African nations.

Extreme weather conditions and rising temperatures already impact the economy and human security, leading to shifting living conditions across the country.

Speaking to JoyNews at the 2024 Green Film Festival in Accra, Kofi Adu Domfeh, Lead Producer of the JoyNews Climate Focus Series, urged the government and key stakeholders to adopt innovative solutions to address climate change in Ghana.

“In creating this production at JoyNews, our aim is to highlight the critical importance of the climate conversation. Climate change, as we all know, is a global phenomenon currently affecting us here in Ghana. For us, this production is part of our responsibility to raise awareness, drive the narrative around climate change, and most importantly, influence policy on the need for mitigation and adaptation. Being a responsible media house, we will not relent in our efforts,” he said.

Dr. Prince Ansah, Country Director for the Climate and Development Knowledge Network, emphasized the role of innovative solutions in addressing climate challenges in Ghana.

“Essentially, we act as a bridge between the academic world, which produces research evidence, and society, which needs to hear and act on it. Media partnerships are one of our creative approaches, and we see JoyNews as a key partner willing to broaden climate discussions. Our role is to break down these technical conversations from the research world into everyday language that everyone can understand,” Dr. Ansah added.

The World Bank Group’s recent Country Climate and Development Report (CCDR) for Ghana warns that without urgent climate action, at least one million more people could fall into poverty due to climate shocks, with incomes for poor households potentially decreasing by up to 40% by 2050.

Emefa Atiamoah Eli, Coordinator of Strategic Partnerships and Projects at JoyNews, underscored the importance of collaboration in expanding discussions on climate change and addressing environmental degradation. “To cover all of Ghana and fully grasp the issues, you need partners.

There are people already in the field who have the knowledge, know where to source support and resources, and provide evidence-based research crucial for telling these stories. JoyNews is positioning itself as a media house that can rally and harness necessary support to tackle climate challenges,” she explained.

Founded by environmental activists, filmmakers, and community leaders, the Green Film Festival Accra aims to inspire action and advocacy through storytelling.

The festival featured film screenings and an exhibition of projects, including green business innovations and ecosystem-based adaptation technologies, showcasing solutions that could drive a sustainable future for Ghana.