‘We Must Translate Climate Commitments Into Action’ — Berekum West MP Urges Parliament to Lead on Green Transition

The Member of Parliament for Berekum West, Hon. Dickson Kyere-Duah, has challenged his colleagues to move beyond declarations on climate change and ensure concrete legislative action to drive Ghana’s green transition.

Reading a Statement on environmental sustainability, Hon. Kyere-Duah said Parliament has a critical role in holding government accountable for climate pledges and international commitments.

“Mr Speaker, Ghana has made commitments under the Paris Agreement, we have submitted our Nationally Determined Contributions, and we speak at global forums about our green ambitions. But Mr Speaker, the time has come for us to translate these commitments into concrete action here at home.”

He stressed that legislation, budget oversight, and policy enforcement must align with Ghana’s climate goals. “Our people are already experiencing the impact of climate change — from farmers in Berekum West who face unpredictable rainfall, to communities battling flooding and heat waves. If Parliament does not lead, who will?”

Hon DicksonKyere-Duah, has urged stronger legislative action on climate change, telling the House that Ghana must scale up nature-based solutions to protect vulnerable communities and safeguard livelihoods.

In his statement on the natural environment, Hon. Mmieh warned that the impacts of climate change are already being felt nationwide.

According to him, climate change is no longer a distant threat. It is a present reality affecting communities across the world including Ghana. We are witnessing rising temperatures, erratic rainfall patterns, prolonged droughts, devastating floods, coastal erosion, declining agriculture productivity, and growing threats to food and water security.

The Berekum West legislator urged increased investment in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and green jobs to cushion vulnerable populations.

“Mr Speaker, the green transition is not just about the environment. It is about jobs for our youth, it is about food security, it is about energy access, and it is about protecting the health of our citizens,” he said.

He noted that Ghana cannot afford to lag as the world shifts to low-carbon economies. “We must position ourselves to benefit from climate finance, carbon markets, and green technology. This requires clear laws, strong institutions, and deliberate investment.”