Okyenhene Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin
Traditional leaders in the country have begun a consultative meeting to deliberate on climate change adaptation measures.
The meeting dubbed ‘Royal Dialogue on Climate Action and Sustainable Development Goals’ which is being held at the Ofori Panin Fie, Kyebi, in the Eastern Region, led by the Okyenhene Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, is expected to come up with a declaration on Climate Action and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to be presented at the United Nations (UN) Climate Change Conference of the Parties in Glasgow, Scotland.
The Okyenhene in a welcome address through the Akyem Abuakwa State Secretary, Kyebi, D. M. Ofori-Atta, said the meeting is a novelty, adding that it was the first time in history that traditional leaders, the natural leaders of the people, are being consulted on a matter of such global magnitude.
“It represents a refreshing commitment to include traditional leaders, the shepherds of our communities and the vehicle for authentic indigenous expression,” he said.
Mr. Ofori-Atta said traditional leaders have since historical times used time-tested customary laws to enforce environmental standards to stem the tide of climate change and global warming.
He said as global warming and climate change continue to deplete the capital on which growth and human survival are based, the damages of the inaction could be grave, indicating that even though the continent contributes the least of any continent to global warming, averaging just over one metric tonne of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide per person, the longer term impact of climate change in Africa is more devastating.
“We continue to witness changing rainfall patterns which affect agriculture and reduce food security. We are alarmed by the worsening water situation, decreasing fish resources in large lakes due to rising temperatures and rising sea levels affecting low-lying coastal areas,” he said.
“We are confronted with an existential problem… The voice of traditional authority, the natural leaders of our continent cannot be swamped in this matter,” he added.
Mr. Ofori-Atta further noted that the Osagyefuo ascended the Ofori Panin Stool with a comprehensive programme of action meant to restore ecological decency and to assist in mobilising national and global conscience against the scourge of climate change.
Consequently, he said the Okyeman Environment Foundation (OEF) was launched in the year 2000 to increase public awareness about environmental issues, explore possible solutions and to lay the foundation for a fully informed and active participation of his subjects and sub-chiefs in the protection of the environment and the prudent, sustainable and rational use of natural resources.
“The Okyeman Environment Foundation under the direct supervision of His Majesty the King has achieved significant successes. It is therefore not surprising that the activities of the OEF have found favour in the national and global green movement.
“It is our hope that the Kyebi Declaration will be a standing tribute to our collective resolve to rally behind the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals,” he added.
By Jamila Akweley Okertchiri