Climate Communications and Local Governance-Africa (CCLG-Africa) has marked its 5th anniversary with a strong appeal to Ghanaians and Africans to take urgent action to protect the environment.
The climate-focused Civil Society Organization (CSO) warned that climate change is already affecting communities through floods, drought and pollution.
In a statement to commemorate the CCLG-Africa 5th anniversary, the organisation reflected on five years of promoting localized climate action while urging citizens, government institutions and stakeholders to intensify efforts to safeguard the environment.
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The organisation, which was launched on August 2, 2021, at Parliament House in Accra, said its mission has remained unchanged: ensuring that climate action begins at the local level.
Stronger environmental protection
As part of its anniversary message, President of CCLGÂ Kofi Don Agor urged citizens to stop indiscriminate littering, plastic pollution, bush burning, the blockage of waterways and other activities that degrade the environment.
He stressed that the visible effects of climate change—including flooded streets, dry farmlands and polluted rivers—underscore the need for immediate and collective action.
According to him, every Ghanaian has a responsibility to protect the environment by adopting sustainable practices in homes, schools, workplaces and communities.
He also called on Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to strictly enforce sanitation by-laws and promote climate-resilient development.
He also appealed to Parliament and the Government to ensure climate adaptation funds reach local communities and are invested in meaningful climate action initiatives that directly benefit vulnerable populations.
The organisation said empowering local communities remains essential to building resilience against climate change.
Mr. Don Agor encouraged journalists and teachers to continue educating the public on sustainable environmental practices and climate-conscious behaviour.
He described communication as a vital tool for inspiring action and changing attitudes toward environmental protection.
“The environment does not need speeches. It needs action. Communication is action. Let us live it,” he said.
Five years of climate advocacy
Reflecting on achievements, the President said over the past five years, CCLG-Africa has brought together Members of Parliament, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies, women, students, journalists and development partners to advance climate advocacy across Africa.
Among the notable milestones of the organisation is the presentation of the Climate Clock to the Speaker and leadership of Ghana’s Parliament as a symbol of the country’s commitment to climate action.
Don Agor also noted its participation in major global climate conferences, including COP26, COP27, COP28 and COP29, where it championed the voices of local communities on international platforms.
Local action priority
Despite its international engagements, the organisation emphasised that meaningful progress against climate change depends on action at the grassroots level.
As CCLG-Africa celebrates its 5th anniversary, it reaffirmed its commitment to working with governments, communities, civil society organisations and development partners to promote sustainable environmental practices and strengthen climate resilience across Ghana and the African continent.
The organisation urged all citizens to move beyond awareness and actively contribute to protecting the environment for future generations.