WASCAL creates enabling environment for green hydrogen research and capacity building in West Africa

The inaugural edition of the Green Conversations has focused on achievements and prospects for a successful and smooth transition from fossil fuel to clean, cheaper, and sustainable energy in West Africa.

 

The two-hour interactive session is aimed at creating the enabling environment to ensure a successful green economy.

 

The conversations highlighted the need to speed up the smooth transition into green hydrogen and to further explore the available opportunities for West Africans to use cheaper and more sustainable energy.

 

It is spearheaded by the West African Science Service Centre on Climate Change and Adapted Land Use (WASCAL) and its stakeholders.

 

Key speakers from across the world focused on the theme: “Enabling Environment for Capacity Building and Research for Green Hydrogen Economy in West Africa”.

 

The Interim Executive Director of WASCAL, Prof Kehinde Ogunjobi, spoke on the contributions of WASCAL towards a smooth transition from fossil fuel to cleaner energy.

 

He emphasized the successful implementation of projects and programmes as part of its commitment to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goal 7 on Clean Energy.

 

WASCAL recently graduated 59 West African Green Scholars in various Green Hydrogen programmes under its International Programme in Energy and Green Hydrogen. A new set of 73 students have been admitted in the drive to build stronger capacities in West Africa.

 

Prof. Ogunjobi says other activities and interventions include the waste-to-energy project as well as the PV2H projects.

 

Since 2021, WASCAL and its partners have worked together to build the capacities of students from 15 West African countries through its International Master’s Programme in Energy and Green Hydrogen.  

 

The partners include German’s Julich, RWTH Aachen, Rostock University, as well as its West African university partners, Houphouet Boigny University, Côte d’Ivoire; University Cheikh Anta Diop, Senegal, University of Lomé, Togo, and University of Abdou Moumouni, Niger.

 

Speakers at the Green Conversation included Prof. Kehinde Ogunjobi, Director of Capacity Building, Prof. Daouda Kone, Madam, Kerstin Annassi, from Julich, Nii Commey, Communications Manager of WASCAL, and Ms. Alberta Aryee, Renewable Energy Coordinating Officer.

 

The conversation was moderated by the Coordinator of Renewable Energy and Green Hydrogen in WASCAL, Dr. Bruno Korgo.

Young climate champions inspire action through African stories

An air of eager inspiration filled the room as three young climate champions took the stage to share their journeys at a recent Ghanaian gathering.

 

Hosted by media platform B. Inspired with Stories from Africa (B.ISA), the side event at the high-profile Local Conference of Youth (LCOY) harnessed the power of personal narrative to drive climate action.

 

Attended by over 50 youth leaders, community advocates, government stakeholders and journalists from across Ghana, the session aligned with LCOY’s objectives to spur climate dialogue, multiply solutions and strengthen nationwide youth networks.

 

Maxwell Beganim transported the rapt audience through his advocacy Genesis - from recognizing youth’s potential to affect change to founding the Pan-African Green Leaders Academy. This pioneering initiative provides comprehensive training on environmental literacy, leadership, social innovation and civic engagement to equip youth to tackle pressing ecological challenges.

 

Thought leader Otuo-Akyampong Boakye then took the microphone, chronicling his climate journey from witnessing his community’s alarming deforestation firsthand at a young age to mobilizing reforestation efforts and pioneering solar-powered irrigation technology to enable sustainable farming.

 

Kofi Adu Domfeh shared how a chance encounter reporting on climate change’s impact on Ghanaian groundnut farmers sparked his advocacy as an award-winning environmental journalist. He now raises awareness and planting trees with local youth.

 

Through emotionally compelling story arcs revealing their passion, creativity and perseverance, the speakers spotlighted how ordinary citizens can drive extraordinary change. Their tales of local solutions and homegrown innovation resonated deeply with participants.

 

“This event opened my eyes to grassroots sustainable development happening all around us that we rarely hear about,” shared one youth climate leader. “I'm inspired to explore what’s possible in my own community.”

 

Other attendees emphasized how the event renewed their motivation. “The speakers’ passion was contagious. Their stories made climate issues feel relevant and solvable,” noted a local non-profit founder.

 

By uplifting voices often unheard in dominant climate narratives, the event emphasized inclusive storytelling’s power to build momentum across Ghana’s diverse populations. “To drive change, we need stories that connect our heads and hearts,” said B.ISA’s Frank Koomson.

 

If the vibrant discussion during the moderated dialogue were any indication, these climate leaders succeeded in inspiring the next generation. The pens are now in their hands to author new narratives of hope, solidarity and possibility.

COP28: Africa’s special needs and circumstances must be kept in focus, says AGN Chair

The African Group of Negotiators on Climate Change (AGN) expects climate stakeholders to keep in focus Africa’s special circumstances and needs as they prepare for the 28th session of United Nations Climate Conference (COP28) scheduled for Dubai, United Arab Emirates, later in November this year.

 

AGN Chair, Ephraim Mwepya Shitima, says African stakeholders should not lose focus of the key principle of equity and Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capacities (CBDR-RC).

 

CBDR–RC acknowledges the different capabilities and differing responsibilities of individual countries in addressing climate change.

 

“The equity principle is very important as it takes into consideration and safeguards our interests and unique circumstances as a continent that contributes just about four percent to global emissions and yet suffers the most,” said Shitima, in a speech read for him by AGN Communication Specialist, Friday Phiri.

 

He was speaking at the official opening of a Pre-COP28 Strategy Meeting organised by the African Group of Negotiators Experts Support (AGNES) in Nairobi, Kenya. Delegates from over 31 African countries who are attending the meeting.

 

As the global conversation on the just transition gains momentum, Africa has repeatedly noted the importance for the continent to be accorded policy space required to develop and means of implementation support to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

 

The argument is that the just transition work programme must recognise and provide policy space and support in consideration of the continent's unique needs and development circumstances to ensure a fair and equitable shift to low-carbon and climate resilient development pathways.

 

“Our message for COP28 has also been very clear; that it should deliver ambitious, balanced, fair and just outcomes that should set the world on course to effectively address climate change on several fronts, including adaptation, loss and damage, finance and mitigation,” noted Shitima.

 

Earlier, AGNES Team Leader, George Wamukoya highlighted the need for continuous engagements and consultations between scientists and negotiators to ensure that Africa’s positions are watertight.

 

“As AGNES, we believe these interactions between scientists and negotiators are key in ensuring that our positions are framed to succeed as they enable negotiators to effectively engage their counterparts with facts and ensure that Africa’s voice is not just heard, but also respected and create the impact we all desire,” said Dr. Wamukoya.

 

Kenya’s Principal Secretary at the State Department of Environment and Climate Change, Eng. Festus Ng’eno welcomed the addition in the discussions, other important themes such as climate change and health, climate, peace and security as well as biodiversity and water to support a wholesome understanding of the climate crisis and its associated impacts.

 

“The impact on climate change to health as well as access to water for domestic, agricultural and industrial use is one area of growing concern. It is my hope that these great minds will deliberate on how to handle climate related health issues, including malnutrition, hunger, and water access issues that is a growing concern across the continent,” said Eng. Ng’eno.

 

The Pre-COP28 Strategy Meeting has been convened to reflect on SB58 outcomes, update negotiators on emerging areas of interest and discuss approaches for COP28.

 

“As you deliberate on the various themes during this crucial meeting, I urge you to keep in mind our special circumstances as Africa and the need for us to be allowed policy space and support to achieve sustainable development,” said the AGN Chair.

 

The AGN says it remains open for engagement and resolute to support Africa’s climate and development cause.

Rich nations fail to scale up finance at Green Climate Fund Pledging Summit

Rich nations have committed in total about $9.3 billion at the Green Climate Fund Pledging Summit in Bonn.

Overall, the commitments fall short of the scale of what is needed amidst the urgency of climate impacts that are hitting vulnerable communities in developing countries.

Polluter nations failed to deliver their fair-share with Australia, Switzerland, Italy and Sweden claiming to make pledges later and the USA failing to even do that and offering nothing.

While the pledging summit offered an opportunity for countries to raise their commitments on finance, it is critical that countries continue to come forward and make new and increased pledges ahead of COP28.

“The Green Climate Fund (GCF), envisioned as the lifeline for climate action in developing nations, is held back by the indifference of wealthy countries. The world's vulnerable populations face an escalating climate crisis, with their path to a sustainable future undeservedly delayed. The GCF is central to the climate finance structure and warrants funding commensurate with its importance. It's vital to underscore that public finance is key to ensuring vulnerable nations receive the support they need, particularly for boosting adaptation efforts,” said Harjeet Singh, Head of Global Political Strategy, Climate Action Network International.

“While Ireland's 150% pledge increase is praiseworthy, the tepid commitments—or outright stagnation—from nations such as Japan and Norway are deeply concerning. Some countries, like Sweden, seem to sidestep their obligations by urging developing nations to contribute to the Fund. The silence of the United States, even as it participates on the GCF Board and shapes policies without meeting its financial obligations, is glaring and inexcusable.

“With COP28 on the horizon, the GCF replenishment conference has fallen short of expectations. However, it's important to remember that nations are not restricted to making pledges only during set intervals; they can and should step forward with contributions at any time to support climate action,” he noted.

Illegal miners should be wary of kidney diseases, warns GKA

As the Ghana Kidney Association (GKA) engages stakeholders to make dialysis accessible and affordable to persons with kidney diseases, there is a call for the general populace to lead healthy lives for prevention.

 

Hypertension and diabetes mellitus are the two major leading causes of kidney ailments in Ghana, Africa and the world.

 

But President of GKA, Professor Sampon Antwi, is particularly cautioning illegal mining operators in Ghana to be wary of the implications in the use of heavy metals in mining.

 

"Our brothers in the galamsey business are also not spared," said Prof. Antwi. "There are a lot of environmental toxins from heavy metals like mercury and the gold itself that can also damage the kidneys. So we appeal to all to lead healthy lives that can protect their kidneys".

 

The Ghana Kidney Association is a professional body that is responsible for the promotion of healthy kidneys through education on preventive ways and also treatment of all people who are suffering from kidney diseases.

 

In the heat of public uproar on the cost of dialysis, the Association is hoping the government offers more in terms of funding dialysis in Ghana, or at least kept current cost unchanged.

 

"We are in talks with the government to see how it can actually make some concessions in the cost of importation of dialysis consumables so that the price will stay within the amount that will be affordable by the many who are suffering from kidney disease," said Prof. Antwi, a Consultant Paediatric Nephrologist and Head of the Child Health Directorate of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital.

 

Persons diagnosed with kidney disease are advised to report early to the hospital and keep appointment with their doctors all the time, while adhering to their medication.

 

"Even though you've been diagnosed with the disease, those measures will really slow down progression to end stage where you will need dialysis," emphasized Prof. Antwi.

 

By Kofi Adu Domfeh

Climate Resilience: AICCRA builds capacity of Ghanaian women champions

Fifteen gender champions have been trained to support women farmers in Ghana to mitigate climate risks and impact at a workshop organised in Kumasi.

 

The training was organised by the Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA), in partnership with Crops Research Institute of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR-CRI) and the University of Development Studies.

 

The champions comprised thirteen officers of the Women in Agricultural Development (WIAD) directorate of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, and two officers from the Widows and Orphans Movement, and Single Mothers Association.

 

Participants were from AICCRA’s intervention districts in Greater Accra, Bono East, Central, Northern, Upper East and Upper West Regions of Ghana.

 

The objective of the workshop was to improve the officers’ knowledge of gender-responsive Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) and Climate Information Services (CIS).

 

The training on sustainable farm planning and costing, CSA, CIS and finance bundles and Neem Leaf Powder as a biopesticide emphasized opportunities for women to save money on farm inputs.

 

According to Faustina Obeng Adomaa, Gender Lead on the AICCRA project in Ghana, the workshop is to deepen AICCRA’s collaboration with the officers in the scaling of gender and nutrition smart CSA-CIS bundles while working towards transformative change of norms that create and deepen inequalities in communities.  

 

Gender transformative approaches highlighted innovative strategies for community dialogues and actions to change discriminatory gender norms.

 

Dr Joyce Haleegoah, Gender Lead at CSIR-Crops Research Institute indicated that the workshop was an opportunity to refresh the minds of the WIAD officers on gender and related concepts, and deepen their understanding of the approaches to empower women to utilise Climate Smart Agriculture and Climate Information Services.

 

The participants were trained on topics including gender-responsive CSA-CIS bundles, Cowpea and OFSP as gender and nutrition-sensitive crops, Gender-responsive dissemination approaches, farm planning and costing, Village Savings and Loans Association (VSLA) for strategic farm investment, and preparation of neem leaf extract as bio control product.

 

“The women farmers who are disadvantaged in various ways will benefit from accessing the bundles and neem leaf powder because they will reduce their expenses,” noted Mary Adogma, WIAD officer for Kassena Nankana district.

 

Other topics were identification of entrenched gender norms in communities and approaches to foster transformative change in gender norms.

 

Margaret Quarm, WIAD Officer at the Komenda Edina Eguafo Abirem district in the Central Region, said she has gained awareness of new approaches to garnering community support for women’s issues.

 

“The learnings on gender transformative approaches has changed the way I will engage community and opinion leaders on issues concerning women,” she said.

 

MoFA’s Women in Agricultural Development Directorate was established purposely to transform livelihoods and promote the wellbeing of women in the agricultural sector. WIAD officers work with women farmers on food-based nutrition, value addition and food safety.

 

Single Mothers Association works to improve the livelihood of rural women through economic empowerment initiatives, while Women and Orphan’s Movement supports women rights, education, capacity building and climate resilience.

 

By Kofi Adu Domfeh