In a bold move to combat climate change and enhance public health, Ghana is spearheading initiatives to curtail methane pollution in agriculture and waste management.
This aligns seamlessly with the nation’s climate plan, aiming to bolster air quality, unlock carbon finance, and generate employment opportunities.
Ghana is employing the Alternative Wet and Drying (AWD) strategy in rice farming, a pioneering technology designed to minimize methane emissions. Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, contributes to global warming and air pollution. AWD technology disrupts conventional rice farming practices by promoting intermittent flooding rather than continuous flooding, offering an eco-friendly approach aligned with global efforts to reduce methane, the second-most prominent greenhouse gas.
Dr. Daniel Tutu Benefoh, Ghana’s Focal Person for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, emphasized the importance of mitigating methane’s impact. The AWD project not only presents a sustainable technology but also aims to financially compensate around 11,000 farmers, boosting yields by approximately 30% while enhancing water management practices.
In addition to AWD, Ghana is pioneering the “Integrated Waste Recycling and Composting for Methane Reduction in Ghana.” This initiative targets five landfills, producing organic fertilizer for crop production. The project, a first in Africa and second globally under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, is set to reduce over 1.5 million tonnes of methane by 2030, creating jobs and fostering a circular economy.
These strategies, falling under Article 6.3 of the Paris Agreement and Article 5.1 of the Cooperation Agreement between Ghana and the Swiss Confederation, showcase Ghana’s commitment to sustainable practices. With a significant portion of Ghana’s Municipal Solid Waste composed of organic materials, these initiatives not only mitigate climate change but also address health risks associated with methane pollution.
As Professor Kofi Amegah, an Epidemiologist, affirms, reducing methane levels is crucial for public health. Ghana’s strides towards cleaner air and a healthier environment exemplify its dedication to addressing the global climate crisis while safeguarding the well-being of its citizens.
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