In cognizance of the dangers of climate change and the indispensable roles persons with disabilities play in societal development, the Parliament of Ghana has launched the Climate and Disability Caucuses, under the theme, “Strengthening Legislative Action for Climate Resilience and Sustainable Development in Ghana”.

The event signifies the dedication of Parliament to employ advocacy and awareness, legislative actions, accessibility, inclusion, and collaboration to protect our climate and create an enabling environment for persons with disability to pursue their aspirations and contribute their quota to society.

The impact of climate change affects the socio-economic fabric of our society, reduces access to water resources, and creates food insecurity, poverty, and social vulnerability.

The Ghana State of the Environment report in 2017, asserts that the most sensitive climate sectors in Ghana include agriculture, health, water resources, built infrastructure, transportation, energy, and waste.

The above challenges underscore the need to enhance resilience and adapt to changing conditions, which is the main objective of the Climate Caucus.

The Ghana Parliamentary Climate Caucus seeks to promote sustainable development practices that prioritise environmental conservation by advocating for policies and initiatives that promote conservation and sustainable use of natural resources.

Such work could focus on training and capacity-building needs, climate-resilient water transportation routes and energy infrastructure, climate-smart agriculture, sustainable forestry and agricultural practices, as well as climate change and conflict.

The Speaker, Mr Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, emphasised his deep attachment and commitment to the welfare of persons with disability, citing a core mandate in the Directive Principle which requires us to create a free and just society for all.

The Chairman of the Disability Caucus, Dr Clement Apaak called on everyone to personalise issues of disability since each one of us is just a single occurrence away from disability.

The Chairman of the Climate Committee, Dr Emmanuel Marfo, spoke on the need for inclusivity in the sustainable environment fight. Dr Marfo highlighted some of the negative impacts of climate change, including crop losses, property damage, and displacement of communities.