CARIAA-WorkingPaper9_AdaptationAction-Ghana

This research paper reviews the current and planned climate change adaptation actions in Ghana. It identifies the northern regions and the agricultural sector as the most vulnerable and the primary focus of adaptation projects. While Ghana has established national policies and strategies, the report notes a gap in concrete actions within sectoral policies and a need for a more robust evidence base through monitoring and evaluation.

• Ghana is experiencing rising temperatures and sea levels, with a mean annual temperature increase of 1°C since 1960. Projections suggest further warming, particularly in the northern region, with some estimates indicating an increase of up to 5.4°C by 2080 across all ecological zones.
• The northern part of Ghana is identified as the most vulnerable region due to high poverty levels, dry conditions, and a heavy reliance on agriculture. This vulnerability leads to increased migration from water-stressed northern areas to wetter southern regions and urban centers as a coping strategy.
• Agriculture is the most targeted sector for adaptation, with 58% of identified discrete projects focusing on this area. Key priorities include building farmer awareness, promoting climate-resilient crop and livestock production, and improving post-harvest technologies to minimize losses.
• Ghana has established a national policy framework including the National Climate Change Policy (NCCP), launched in 2014, and the National Climate Change Adaptation Strategy (NCCAS) for 2010–2020. However, sectoral policies—such as those for health and fisheries—often lack specific climate change objectives or actions.
• Gender inequality significantly impacts climate vulnerability, as women in rural areas face barriers in accessing financial services, information, technology, and secure land tenure, despite composing over half of the agricultural labour force.
• Climate finance for adaptation in Ghana comes from both multilateral and bilateral sources. As of February 2015, Ghana had approved over US$70 million in total climate finance, with approximately US$20 million specifically addressing adaptation.
• There is a significant gap in adaptation action for the fisheries, energy, and health sectors despite their identified vulnerability. The report found no specific adaptation projects currently being implemented in the fisheries and health sectors.
• The government is attempting to decentralize adaptation planning through Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs). While guidelines were updated in 2014 to address climate change, MMDAs face substantial capacity and resource challenges.
• A critical need exists for a stronger evidence base for adaptation through effective monitoring and evaluation (M&E). Currently, there is limited documentation to assess the actual impact of ongoing adaptation projects on risk management and adaptive capacity.

APA

International Institute for Sustainable Development (n.d.). CARIAA-WorkingPaper9_AdaptationAction-Ghana. https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/idl-55865-ghana.pdf

Chicago

International Institute for Sustainable Development. CARIAA-WorkingPaper9_AdaptationAction-Ghana. n.d. https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/idl-55865-ghana.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=International Institute for Sustainable Development |title=CARIAA-WorkingPaper9_AdaptationAction-Ghana |url=https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/idl-55865-ghana.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{internationalinstituteforsustainabledevelopmentndcariaaworkingpaper9adaptationactionghana, author = {{International Institute for Sustainable Development}}, title = {{CARIAA-WorkingPaper9\_AdaptationAction-Ghana}}, institution = {International Institute for Sustainable Development}, url = {https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/idl-55865-ghana.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }