Nurture Nature Foundation https://nurturenaturegh.com Promoting Eco Friendly Environment Thu, 15 May 2025 10:49:02 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.1 https://nurturenaturegh.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/cropped-NNF-New-Logo-sq-32x32.jpg Nurture Nature Foundation https://nurturenaturegh.com 32 32 SCEF AND NNF PATICIPATE IN GLOBAL WATER DANCE ADVOCACY https://nurturenaturegh.com/scef-and-nnf-paticipate-in-global-water-dance-advocacy/ https://nurturenaturegh.com/scef-and-nnf-paticipate-in-global-water-dance-advocacy/#respond Wed, 14 May 2025 14:41:00 +0000 https://nurturenaturegh.com/?p=1622 🌍💧 𝗖𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝗘𝗻𝘃𝗶𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 = 𝗖𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿! 💧🌿 As part of our Global Water Dances advocacy, our team joined forces with Nurture Nature to hit the markets and engage the community on the importance of keeping our surroundings clean to protect our water sources. Every action counts—from sweeping our streets to saying no to litter. A […]

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🌍💧 𝗖𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝗘𝗻𝘃𝗶𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 = 𝗖𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿! 💧🌿

As part of our Global Water Dances advocacy, our team joined forces with Nurture Nature to hit the markets and engage the community on the importance of keeping our surroundings clean to protect our water sources.

Every action counts—from sweeping our streets to saying no to litter. A cleaner environment means safer water for everyone. Let’s dance for change and act for impact! 💃🏽🕺🏾

See more pics here: https://www.instagram.com/p/DJoT69lBc1i/?igsh=ZW5pdTdlMndrZjVk

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Ghana scales up implementation of West Africa Coastal Area Project https://nurturenaturegh.com/ghana-scales-up-implementation-of-west-africa-coastal-area-project/ https://nurturenaturegh.com/ghana-scales-up-implementation-of-west-africa-coastal-area-project/#respond Thu, 01 May 2025 01:08:00 +0000 https://nurturenaturegh.com/?p=1615 Strategic partners in the implementation of the West Africa Coastal Areas (WACA) project, which includes the government of Ghana, the World Bank, and civil society organisations through the Coastal CSOs Forum (CCF) have scaled up monitoring of the projects.

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Strategic partners in the implementation of the West Africa Coastal Areas (WACA) project, which includes the government of Ghana, the World Bank, and civil society organisations through the Coastal CSOs Forum (CCF), have scaled up monitoring of the projects.

As part of the upscale monitoring mechanism rolled up, a high-level team representing the various actors – Ministry of Science and Technology (MEST), World Bank, Nurture Nature Foundation (NNF), Fill the Gap Africa (FTGA) and some assembly members – paid a working visit to some of the project sites in the Greater Accra region.

The WACA project monitoring team was made up of Dr Memuna Mattah, who represented MEST; Mr Raymond Kirwa, who represented the World Bank; Mr Peter Asiedu, the Executive Director of Nurture Nature Foundation; and Mrs Vida Akekodaga, the Chief Executive Officer of Fill the Gap Africa, who represented the CSOs under the Coastal CSOs Forum (CCF).

The sites visited were Shaibu in the Ablekuma West Municipal Assembly and Jamestown in the Accra Metropolitan Assembly.

The team was dismayed and disheartened at the volume of waste material deposited at the Jamestown beach, amidst evidence of coastal erosion, which has caused considerable damage to culverts along the estuary bridge.

The team also observed that makeshift structures have been constructed along the shore, which has created operational nuisances and increased illegal human activities at the shore, including open defecation, burning of waste material, and other unhealthy practices.

Mr Kirwa, representing the World Bank, expressed concern about the waste predicament at the shore, which is mainly composed of insulators, coconut shells, and broken food packages.

He therefore questioned why the shore was virtually covered with an avalanche of waste products and enquired how what can be done to prevented the waste from entering the sea.

Mr Asiedu, NNF Executive Director, and Mr Maxwell Adjei, a member of the community committee, took turns to address the World Bank officials’ concerns as they stressed that the Korle Lagoon is a carriage route for waste from the inland drainages, which is emptied into the sea through the James Town beach.

Mr Adjei also blamed the dwellers in the makeshift structures along the coast, who he claimed deposited their waste at the shore due to their inability to pay the fees charged by waste collection companies.

In addition, he said the skip bin provided is inadequate and easily gets filled up, leaving no choice but to dump the waste generated on the shore or into the sea by the coastal dwellers.

Mr Asiedu, on the other hand, suggested the installation of a fortified litter trap to withstand the high volume of water pressure from inland through the Korle Lagoon estuary into the sea.

The NNF Executive Director also suggested that district assemblies in the catchment jurisdiction of the Korle Lagoon must redesign drainage, which can prevent waste from entering the Korle Lagoon.

Mr Asiedu also called for a national policy for waste segregation to ensure the segregation of waste at source, which will allow Bola taxis and skip bin trucks to have different sacks to separate waste collections from source before disposal at the dump site.

Mrs Sarah Boasiako, also a member of the World Bank team, commended the Bola taxis for their persistence in using different sacks for waste, such as plastics, paper, and cans; however, she insisted that the skip bin trucks need to be implemented equally.

The West Africa Coastal Area (WACA) Program, including its Resilience Investment Project (ResIP 2), is a regional initiative focused on strengthening the resilience of coastal communities and areas in West Africa.

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MEST to foster sustainable support for CSOs in coastal management https://nurturenaturegh.com/mest-to-foster-sustainable-support-for-csos-in-coastal-management/ https://nurturenaturegh.com/mest-to-foster-sustainable-support-for-csos-in-coastal-management/#respond Wed, 30 Apr 2025 23:58:00 +0000 https://nurturenaturegh.com/?p=1616 The Ministry of Science and Technology (MEST) is committed to fostering sustainable support for civil society organizations (CSOs) involved in coastal management, as well as providing a platform for regular coastal cleaning campaigns.

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The Ministry of Science and Technology (MEST) is committed to fostering sustainable support for civil society organizations (CSOs) involved in coastal management, as well as providing a platform for regular coastal cleaning campaigns.

In collaboration with strategic partners in the West Africa Coastal Areas (WACA) project, MEST and other stakeholders will produce periodic reports on designated areas to assess the project’s success. This initiative follows a recent visit by the WACA monitoring team to project sites in the Greater Accra Region.

The team visited Shaibu in the Ablekuma West Municipal Assembly and Jamestown in the Accra Metropolitan Assembly.

The monitoring visit is part of efforts to strengthen the monitoring mechanism introduced by various partners, including MEST, the World Bank, the Nurture Nature Foundation (NNF), Fill the Gap Africa (FTGA), and assembly members.

The team consisted of Dr. Memuna Mattah from MEST, Mr. Raymond Kirwa from the World Bank, Mr. Peter Asiedu, Executive Director of Nurture Nature Foundation (NNF), and Mrs. Vida Akekodaga, CEO of Fill the Gap Africa (FTGA), who represents civil society organizations under the Coastal CSOs Forum (CCF).

Jamestown Beach

At Shaibu, the team focused on assessing the community’s landscape, which has been severely impacted by coastal erosion affecting buildings and roads. The team also evaluated local stakeholders’ involvement in the project and the structure of community committees, specifically examining whether they were based on family or friend networks.

Mr. Kirwa, representing the World Bank, emphasized the importance of community involvement in ensuring the project’s sustainability and fostering community ownership.

Mr. Daniel Nortey, representing MEST, explained that approximately 135 community committee members are engaged across all project areas, with responsibilities that include monitoring activities and providing feedback to the CCF Coordinator.

Mr. Daniel Tagoe, the Assembly Member for Shaibu, highlighted the assembly’s fair and transparent approach to selecting committee members, which has been widely accepted by local leaders.

Mr. Peter Asiedu of NNF noted that efforts were consistently made to ensure broad-based community committee membership, including the inclusion of persons with disabilities and women to promote inclusivity.

Mrs. Sarah Boasiako, also from the World Bank team, inquired about the training plan for community committee members on grievance redress mechanisms, requesting a copy of the training concept and manual for the World Bank team.

Jamestown Beach

Mr. Nortey confirmed that training would be organized for teams in both the Volta and Greater Accra regions, with sessions planned over one week in different clusters. He promised to share the training materials with the World Bank team.

The WACA Program, which includes the Resilience Investment Project (ResIP 2), is a regional initiative aimed at enhancing the resilience of coastal communities in West Africa. The program focuses on addressing transboundary coastal challenges such as erosion, flooding, pollution, and ecosystem degradation, while promoting sustainable coastal management.

Through collaboration among West African countries, international organizations, and development partners, WACA seeks to protect and restore the ecological, social, and economic assets of coastal areas. The program also aims to mitigate the impacts of climate change and natural disasters, while improving institutional coordination and supporting sustainable coastal practices.

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NNF and FTGA Participate in WACA Team Visit to Shaibu and Jamestown Beach https://nurturenaturegh.com/nnf-and-ftga-participate-in-waca-team-visit-to-shaibu-and-jamestown-beach/ https://nurturenaturegh.com/nnf-and-ftga-participate-in-waca-team-visit-to-shaibu-and-jamestown-beach/#respond Sat, 19 Apr 2025 15:07:00 +0000 https://nurturenaturegh.com/?p=1604 The West Africa Coastal Areas (WACA) project sites in Greater Accra, notably Shaibu in the Ablekuma West Municipal Assembly and Jamestown in the jurisdiction of Accra Metropolitan Assembly, were visited by a team from the Ministry of Science and Technology (MEST), World Bank, Civil Society Organizations (CSOS) and the District Assemblies on 16th April, 2025. […]

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The West Africa Coastal Areas (WACA) project sites in Greater Accra, notably Shaibu in the Ablekuma West Municipal Assembly and Jamestown in the jurisdiction of Accra Metropolitan Assembly, were visited by a team from the Ministry of Science and Technology (MEST), World Bank, Civil Society Organizations (CSOS) and the District Assemblies on 16th April, 2025.

The MEST team was led by Dr. Memuna Mattah, and the World Bank team was headed by Mr. Raymond Kirwa, whilst Mr. Peter Asiedu, the Executive Director of Nurture Nature Foundation (NNF), together with Mrs. Vida Akekodaga, the Chief Executive Officer of Fill the Gap Africa (FTGA), represented the CSOS under the Coastal CSOS Forum (CCF) in conjunction with Hon. Daniel Tagoe, the Assembly Member of Shaibu Electoral Area, representing the District Assembly.

CONCERNS AT SHAIBU

At Shaibu, the team’s major concern was to analyse the current community landscape due to coastal erosion causing damage to buildings and the main road. Mr. Raymond Kirwa asked about the local or community stakeholders’ involvement in the WACA project, to which Mr.Daniel Nortey of MEST responded that there are 135 community committee members in all the designated project areas, whose responsibilities, among others, are monitoring all activities and giving feedback to the CCF Coordinator.

Mr. Raymond Kirwa further asked about the structure of the community committees and whether it was based on family and friends. For the answer, Hon. Daniel Tagoe said that he played an instrumental role in the community committee membership selection with fairness and general acceptance by the community leaders. Adding to that, Mr. Peter Asiedu indicated that persons with disability are represented on every community committee to promote all-inclusiveness in the community committee, which was applauded by Mrs. Sarah Boasiako, a member of the World Bank team.

Mrs. Sarah Boasiako asked whether the community committee have an office they operate from, to which Mr. Peter Asiedu answered that District Assemblies are part of the stakeholders, which allow the community committee members space when needed for activities.

Mr. George Mawuli a community committee member, asked whether the construction of the ongoing groynes is part of the WACA project, which Mr. Daniel Nortey replied it was not part of the WACA project; rather, it was initiated by the previous government to check the devastating coastal erosion affecting the livelihoods of the community dwellers.

Comparing the groynes at Glefe to those currently at Shaibu, Mr. David Addoquaye, who was part of the attendees, said that at Glefe is much fortified and has withstood the test of time, but he wonders if the same can be the case at Shaibu. In his reply, Mr. Daniel Nortey said all the necessary assessments will be carried out by consultants to ensure the sustainability of the intervention to prevent future coastal erosion to save the landscape.

Mrs. Sarah Boasiako asked whether there is a concept note for the training of community committee members on grievances redress resolution, which Mr. Daniel Nortey replied in the affirmative, adding that such training will be organized for both Volta and Greater Accra region teams in different clusters for a period of one week, she thus requested for a copy for the World Bank team.

The duration of the WACA project span was also a major concern for Mr. Nii Aflah, who is part of the attendees, to assure the completion of the groynes. In response, Mr. Daniel Nortey replied that it will be done by the Ghana Hydrological Authority within the time scheduled for their mandate. 

CONCERNS AT JAMESTOWN

At Jamestown, the team’s major concern was the issue of waste deposit at the shore, although there is much evidence of coastal erosion effects causing damage to culverts along the estuary bridge, and makeshift structures along the shore, which are eroding towards the main road. 

The head of the World Bank team was so amazed by the waste predicament at the shore, which is mainly composed of insulators, coconut shells and broken food packages. However, a careful observation of the waste deposit shows absolutely collection of waste plastic bottles and sachet rubbers, which is clearly positive for the segregation of waste to add value to plastics.

The first question asked by Mr. Raymond Kirwa was why the shore is covered with such an avalanche of waste. In response, Mr. Maxwell Adjei, a member of the community committee, explained that the Korle Lagoon is a carriage route for waste from the inland drainages, which is emptied into the sea. He also stated that all the dwellers in the makeshift structures along the coast deposit their waste at the shore, as paying the waste deposit charges is a challenge for most of them. In addition, he said the skip bin provided is inadequate and easily gets filled up, leaving room for no choice but to dump the waste generated to the shore or into the sea by the coastal dwellers.

Below is the summary outcome of the meeting when Mr. Raymond Kirwa asked what could be done to prevent the waste from entering the sea, to which Mr. Peter Asiedu responded with mutual consensus with the MEST team and community committee members.

® The installation of a fortified litter trap to withstand the high volume of water pressure from inland through the Korle Lagoon estuary into the sea.

® District Assemblies in the catchment jurisdiction of the Korle Lagoon must redesign drainage can prevent waste from entering the Korle Lagoon.

® National policy for waste segregation law to ensure segregation of waste at source, which will allow Bola taxis and skip bin trucks to have different sacks to separate waste collections from source before disposal at the dump site, which Mrs. Sarah Boasiako commended the Bola taxis persistence in using different sacks for waste such as plastics, paper and cans however she insisted the skip bin trucks need to emulate equally.

® MEST to foster sustainable support for CSOS in coastal management to engage in regular coastal cleaning campaigns.

® The WACA team to provide the periodic report in all designated areas to assess the success of the project.

REPORT BY: PETER ASIEDU

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF NURTURE NATURE FOUNDATION.

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Climate Change Financing Conference By Sigra https://nurturenaturegh.com/climate-change-financing-conference-by-sigra/ https://nurturenaturegh.com/climate-change-financing-conference-by-sigra/#respond Wed, 16 Apr 2025 15:53:23 +0000 https://nurturenaturegh.com/?p=1582 Climate change refers to the long-term changes in temperature, precipitation and other atmospheric conditions primarily due to human activities like burning fossil fuels and deforestation. In Ghana, climate change manifests in increased temperatures, unpredicted rainfall patterns, and more frequent extreme weather events such as floods and drought. Climate finance is the mobilization of resources to […]

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Climate change refers to the long-term changes in temperature, precipitation and other atmospheric conditions primarily due to human activities like burning fossil fuels and deforestation. In Ghana, climate change manifests in increased temperatures, unpredicted rainfall patterns, and more frequent extreme weather events such as floods and drought. Climate finance is the mobilization of resources to fund actions that mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change, encompassing both public and private funding.

Forum

On the 27th of March 2025, there was a forum organized by Strengthening Investments in Gender Responsive Climate Adaptation (SIGRA) in partnership with Canada and Cowater Internatioanl on Climate Finance Learning for CSOs. It was attended by all CSOs in the climate change sector and Nurture Nature Foundation was represented by the Executive and Finance Directors. The key activities for the learning was to:

  • Build understanding on adaptation finance in the context of national climate change policy framework in Ghana.
  • Map the landscape of adaptation financing needs in Ghana.
  • Identify emerging climate finance opportunities and funding opportunities for CSOs.
  • Facilitate knowledge sharing and learning from climate funds and programs.
  • Provide a networking and partnership platform for sharing adaptation finance investments in Ghana.

The forum was divided into three sessions. The first session aimed to discuss the state and trend of climate finance for adaptation in Ghana, the second session had a four –member panel discussion that shared knowledge and experiences from Climate Funds and Programs and the third part was a working group discussions session that centered on networking and partnerships for accessing climate finance in Ghana.

The Head of climate change division of ministry of finance, Adwoa Quansah, in her opening statement said the government has allocated a significant amount for climate change in the 2025 budget statement and that the ministry’s doors are opened for CSOs to access the funds. Honorable Issifu Seidu, the Minister of state for Climate Change and Sustainability, in his keynote address emphasized that the Government’s commitment to supporting climate change is rooted in setting –up a ministry to oversee all climate change initiatives and ensures its sustainability. Mr. Kyei Kwadwo Yamoah of HELP foundation and member of KASA Initiative,  took the participants through a website that enlists emerging national and international Climate Finance opportunities in Ghana, while Harshita Bisht, the Cowater porgrams manager spoke on the “Landscape of Climate Adaptation Finance in Ghana”.

The panel discussion session had four panelists namely; Dr. Antwi Boasiako Amoah of EPA, Mr. Desmond Appiah of Clean Air Fund, Mr. Desmond Alugnoa of GAYO  and Ms. Portia Adu-Mensah of Dream Hunt. Each panelist took their swipe on Donor opportunities to mobilize climate finance for CSOs and also shared their experiences and learning on best practices on accessing finance, with all of them stressing the need for CSOs to get their documentations right to access certain kinds of Climate change funds.

During the working group session, the participants were grouped into three thematic areas that discussed:

  1. Bankable ideas for project development
  2. CSOs readiness for accessing climate finance and
  3. Localizing climate finance, private sector engagement and innovative financing

The wrap up and closing remarks was made by Lauren Intven, SIGRA project Team Lead. She emphasized that women and children are the most vulnerable group in the Climate Change adaptation and as such it is imperative to consider women in the climate change adaptation and sustainability process.     

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AFRICA GROUP DEEP SEABED MINING POLICY WORKSHOP HELD https://nurturenaturegh.com/africa-group-deep-seabed-mining-policy-workshop-held/ https://nurturenaturegh.com/africa-group-deep-seabed-mining-policy-workshop-held/#respond Mon, 31 Mar 2025 12:12:48 +0000 https://nurturenaturegh.com/?p=1577 The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey(MP) has urged delegates of the Africa Group Deep Seabed Mining Policy Workshop to come out with policies that would help regulate the exploitation of marine resources as well as preserve the marine environment  for  future generations. Hon. Ayorkor Botchwey, in her address at […]

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The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey(MP) has urged delegates of the Africa Group Deep Seabed Mining Policy Workshop to come out with policies that would help regulate the exploitation of marine resources as well as preserve the marine environment  for  future generations.

Hon. Ayorkor Botchwey, in her address at the opening ceremony for a two day workshop which was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration in Accra, from 30th to 31st January 2019, commended the Africa Group Member States for the workshop.

The workshop was aimed at building the capacity of African experts for effective deliberations at the first part of the 25th Session of the International Seabed Authority (ISA). The 25th Session would focus on the draft exploitation regulations and would be held from the 25th February 2019 to 1st March 2019, in Kingston, Jamaica.

The Minister indicated that meaningful inputs for the negotiations at the International Seabed Authority would help to develop legal instruments for the governance and other aspects of deep seabed mining. She urged the delegates to show commitment to the issues and make contributions that would serve as reference points for the effective and efficient exploitation and management of marine resources and environment.

She indicated that part of Ghana’s foreign policy objectives was to seek the establishment of a just and equitable international and social order for all manner of persons, and for which reason the country had been interested in the activities of the Seabed Authority since its inception.

Hon Botchwey added that Ghana was interested in the current negotiations to protect the maritime space beyond national jurisdiction because “issues pertaining to the protection of our oceans are now taking centre stage globally as a result of the threats posed to the oceans, a major source of economic survival”.

She further implored Africa to position itself to benefit from international protocols and regimes that the various African governments subscribe to through treaties, conventions and agreements.

She commended the African Minerals Development Centre, the Pew Charitable Trusts, RESOLVE and the Commonwealth Secretariat for their invaluable support and sponsorship towards the organization of the workshop which was attended by 50 delegates from 26 countries.

The Minister also expressed gratitude for the support given to Nii Allotey Odunton, during his tenure as the Secretary-General of the International Seabed Authority and a proposal to name a Museum after him.

Ghana’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, Her Excellency Mrs. Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee, in her address, acknowledged the importance of the workshop in helping to identify issues essential for the deliberations at the forthcoming 25th Session of the International Seabed Authority.

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NNF Encourages Water Safety For All https://nurturenaturegh.com/nnf-encourages-water-safety-for-all/ https://nurturenaturegh.com/nnf-encourages-water-safety-for-all/#respond Sat, 22 Mar 2025 19:49:00 +0000 https://nurturenaturegh.com/?p=1560 Happy World Water Day 2025! At Nurture Nature Foundation, we recognize the vital role water plays in our daily lives. Access to clean water is a fundamental human right, yet millions of people across Africa still face water scarcity and insecurity. Let’s work together to address the water crisis and ensure everyone can access safe […]

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Happy World Water Day 2025! 🫧🌱

At Nurture Nature Foundation, we recognize the vital role water plays in our daily lives. Access to clean water is a fundamental human right, yet millions of people across Africa still face water scarcity and insecurity.

Let’s work together to address the water crisis and ensure everyone can access safe and clean drinking water. Please share with us your thoughts on how we can make a difference! 👍🏽🥳

Credit: CCLG-AFRICA

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NNF Applauds Participation in Tree Planting To Enhance Biodiversity https://nurturenaturegh.com/nnf-applauds-participation-in-tree-planting-to-enhance-biodiversity/ https://nurturenaturegh.com/nnf-applauds-participation-in-tree-planting-to-enhance-biodiversity/#respond Sat, 22 Mar 2025 17:35:00 +0000 https://nurturenaturegh.com/?p=1564 The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah has urged all Ghanaians to participate in tree planting efforts to enhance biodiversity and combat climate change. In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday, March 21, the Ellembelle MP emphasized that “Every tree planted is a significant step towards a greener and more […]

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The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah has urged all Ghanaians to participate in tree planting efforts to enhance biodiversity and combat climate change.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday, March 21, the Ellembelle MP emphasized that “Every tree planted is a significant step towards a greener and more sustainable future. Let’s make Ghana green.”

The call aligns with the ‘Tree for Life Reforestation Initiative’, which was launched at Nkawie in the Ashanti Region on Friday.

The initiative seeks to restore degraded lands, promote tree planting, and foster environmental sustainability and conservation.

The Tree for Life initiative fulfills a key pledge outlined in President Mahama’s 120-day Social Contract with the people of Ghana.

Speaking at the launch, President John Dramani Mahama reiterated his directive barring his appointees from engaging in any form of mining.

“I have directed that no government appointee at any level should engage in any form of legal or illegal mining. If you want to be a miner, leave the government and go and be a miner,” he declared.

He bemoaned the impact of illegal mining ( galamsey ) on the country’s environment, stating, “Farmers are losing their farmlands, rivers are turning brown and toxic with pollution, and entire communities are being affected.”

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The role of Nurture Nature Foundation in advancing a green economy https://nurturenaturegh.com/the-role-of-nurture-nature-foundation-in-advancing-a-green-economy/ https://nurturenaturegh.com/the-role-of-nurture-nature-foundation-in-advancing-a-green-economy/#respond Tue, 11 Mar 2025 19:38:00 +0000 https://nurturenaturegh.com/?p=1552 The concept of a green economy is no longer just an environmental ideal; it has become a necessity for sustainable development, particularly in emerging economies like Ghana.

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By Samuel OWUSU-ADUOMI

The concept of a green economy is no longer just an environmental ideal; it has become a necessity for sustainable development, particularly in emerging economies like Ghana.

The Nurture Nature Foundation (NNF) is at the forefront of driving this transition, focusing on integrating sustainability into economic growth while empowering marginalised communities, particularly youth and women.

By investing in sustainable agricultural practices, climate change mitigation, food security, and incentivizing urban-to-rural migration, NNF aims to create a resilient and equitable green economy.

Empowering youth and women in agriculture

Agriculture remains the backbone of Ghana’s economy, yet many young people view it as an unattractive career path. Additionally, women, who constitute a significant percentage of agricultural labor, often lack access to resources and training. To address these challenges, NNF has launched various programs aimed at making agriculture both profitable and sustainable for youth and women.

Key initiatives:

  • Skill development and training: NNF organises workshops on modern farming techniques, agro-processing and agribusiness management tailored to young people and women. These programmes emphasise the importance of sustainable practices, equipping participants with the necessary skills to enhance productivity and profitability.
  • Access to land and financing: By partnering with financial institutions, NNF facilitates microloans and land acquisition opportunities to help youth and women establish farms. Ensuring financial inclusion in agriculture is crucial for breaking the cycle of poverty and promoting self-sufficiency.
  • Technology integration: NNF promotes the use of smart agricultural technologies – such as precision farming, climate-smart irrigation systems, and organic fertilizers – to increase yields while minimizing environmental impact. Digital tools are also introduced to enhance market accessibility and farm management.

Encouraging youth and women to engage in sustainable agriculture not only enhances their economic prospects but also contributes to environmental conservation and food security. This approach helps shift the perception of agriculture from a subsistence activity to a lucrative and innovative sector.

“A truly sustainable future depends on our ability to harness nature’s resources responsibly while empowering our communities. The transition to a green economy is not an option—it is imperative for our survival and progress. We must equip our youth and women with the tools, knowledge, and opportunities to lead this transformation. By investing in sustainable practices, renewable energy, and ecological preservation, we secure not only our environment but also our economy and collective future. The time to act is now, and the Nurture Nature Foundation is committed to leading this charge.” — Peter Asiedu, Executive Director, Nurture Nature Foundation.

Climate change mitigation as a cornerstone of the green economy

Climate change poses a significant threat to Ghana’s agricultural sector, with erratic rainfall, desertification, and extreme weather patterns affecting crop yields. NNF emphasizes climate resilience through proactive and sustainable interventions, ensuring that agricultural communities can adapt to and mitigate climate-related risks.

NNF’s climate action strategies:

  • Agroforestry initiatives: Planting trees on farmland to improve soil fertility, combat desertification and sequester carbon. This practice not only enhances land productivity but also contributes to the restoration of degraded landscapes.
  • Renewable energy adoption: Encouraging the use of solar-powered irrigation systems and biogas energy for agricultural and household use. By integrating renewable energy solutions, farmers can reduce reliance on fossil fuels and cut operational costs.
  • Sustainable water management: Implementing rainwater harvesting and drip irrigation techniques to ensure efficient water use. These techniques help conserve water resources and mitigate the impact of prolonged dry spells on food production.

These strategies not only protect natural ecosystems but also create opportunities for green jobs, further solidifying the transition to a green economy. NNF’s approach ensures that local communities are at the center of climate action, fostering resilience and sustainability.

Enhancing food security through sustainable practices

With a rapidly growing population, Ghana must adopt innovative approaches to ensure food security. Unsustainable farming practices, post-harvest losses, and reliance on imported food threaten national food sufficiency. NNF champions regenerative agriculture to boost local food production sustainably, reducing external dependencies.

NNF’s food security approach:

  • Organic and climate-smart agriculture: Reducing dependence on chemical fertilizers and pesticides while promoting Indigenous farming knowledge. These techniques improve soil health, enhance biodiversity, and increase the nutritional value of food products.
  • Value addition: Supporting agro-processing businesses to reduce post-harvest losses and enhance food storage. By processing raw agricultural products into finished goods, farmers can increase their earnings and contribute to the local economy.
  • Local market strengthening: Encouraging farm-to-market linkages to reduce food wastage and improve farmer earnings. Establishing direct distribution networks allows small-scale farmers to access markets more efficiently, reducing exploitation by middlemen.

Through these initiatives, NNF is helping to ensure that Ghana’s food production is both resilient and sufficient for future generations. Sustainable food systems are crucial in building a green economy that prioritizes both economic prosperity and ecological balance.

Promoting urban-to-rural migration to drive the green economy

One of the critical barriers to agricultural sustainability is rural-urban migration, where young people move to cities in search of opportunities, leaving behind aging rural populations. NNF is actively working to reverse this trend by making rural agriculture an attractive and viable economic path.

Encouraging youth to return to agriculture:

  • Agricultural incubation hubs: Establishing innovation centers in rural areas where young entrepreneurs can receive mentorship, technical assistance, and access to modern farming techniques. These hubs create a collaborative environment where innovative agricultural solutions can be developed and scaled.
  • Incentives for rural farming: Providing financial grants, farming equipment, and market access to make rural agricultural ventures more competitive. When rural economies are strong, they become attractive destinations for young professionals seeking stable livelihoods.
  • Community development projects: Investing in rural infrastructure such as schools, healthcare, and technology access to improve the quality of life in farming communities. A well-developed rural environment ensures that young people see long-term prospects in agriculture and related industries.

By making rural livelihoods sustainable and prosperous, NNF envisions a scenario where young people willingly migrate back to rural areas, contributing to agricultural innovation and economic growth. This shift is essential in ensuring long-term sustainability and balancing urban development with rural regeneration.

Conclusion

The transition to a green economy is not just an environmental movement; it is a strategic imperative for economic resilience and sustainable development. Through targeted initiatives in youth and women’s empowerment, climate change mitigation, food security, and reversing rural-urban migration trends, the Nurture Nature Foundation is playing a pivotal role in shaping Ghana’s green economy.

By embracing these sustainable strategies, Ghana can build a robust economic model that balances environmental conservation with prosperity, ensuring a greener and more equitable future for all. As NNF continues to champion these efforts, the dream of a sustainable, inclusive, and thriving green economy in Ghana moves closer to reality.

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Coastal Civil Society Forum engages tidal wave victims, calls for urgent gov’t action https://nurturenaturegh.com/coastal-civil-society-forum-engages-tidal-wave-victims-calls-for-urgent-govt-action/ https://nurturenaturegh.com/coastal-civil-society-forum-engages-tidal-wave-victims-calls-for-urgent-govt-action/#respond Tue, 11 Mar 2025 17:36:49 +0000 https://nurturenaturegh.com/?p=1546 Ghana’s coastal communities continue to face a deepening humanitarian crisis as rising tidal waves displace families, destroy homes, and threaten livelihoods. In response, the Coastal Civil Society Forum (CCF) Coordinator, Noble Wadzah visited affected communities to express solidarity and to clarify the role of the West Africa Coastal Areas (WACA) Resilient Investment Project II (ResIP […]

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Ghana’s coastal communities continue to face a deepening humanitarian crisis as rising tidal waves displace families, destroy homes, and threaten livelihoods.

In response, the Coastal Civil Society Forum (CCF) Coordinator, Noble Wadzah visited affected communities to express solidarity and to clarify the role of the West Africa Coastal Areas (WACA) Resilient Investment Project II (ResIP II) in tackling coastal erosion and resilience-building.

CCF members listened to the concerns of displaced residents, many of whom have lost everything to the unrelenting tidal waves.

The Forum assured them that while WACA is actively working to mitigate coastal challenges, its interventions are structured, long-term, and focused on sustainable coastal resilience rather than short-term emergency relief.

“Our presence here today is to stand in solidarity with the affected communities. We recognize their pain and the urgent need for interventions However, it is important to understand that WACA is a committed structured approach to coastal resilience, including nature-based solutions such as sand dunes and mangrove restoration for erosion, flooding, and pollution controls,” said Noble Wadzah, CCF Coordinator.

While some residents had hoped for immediate interventions, the CCF coordinator clarified that the responsibility for immediate humanitarian relief and intervention lies with the Government of Ghana.

The Forum urged the government to act swiftly to address the immediate needs of displaced families while WACA’s long-term efforts, which are being put in place to price

He emphasized that WACA’s role is not reactionary but part of a broader, long-term strategy

The Forum pointed to successful coastal resilience projects in Benin and Togo, where WACA has implemented long-term, study-based solutions. Ghana, it emphasised, must adopt a similar systematic approach rather than rely on short-term fixes that may fail to address broader objectives.

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