The Centre for Opportunities and Rural Development (CORD Ghana), in partnership with Naglogu Care Foundation, Rural Connect, Youth Alliance for Climate and Environmental Sustainability (YACES), the Network of Youth for Climate Action Africa, and the Association of Persons with Physical Disabilities, convened a one‑day capacity‑building workshop to arm 60 physically disabled participants with knowledge and skills to cope with the escalating impacts of climate change.
The training equipped attendees with inclusive climate‑adaptation strategies, focusing on accessible technologies, advocacy tools, and leadership roles PwDs can assume in their communities. It underscored the necessity of integrating disability perspectives into climate action to ensure no one is left behind.
Madam Esther Nyamekye Opoku, Programmes Director at CORD Ghana, emphasized the vital contribution of PwDs toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—including SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). She stressed that “climate change affects all, but persons with disabilities are disproportionately impacted. We need to ensure their voices are heard and their needs are met.”
Mr Courage Kojo, Education and Capacity‑Building Officer at YACES Ghana, highlighted that capacity building empowers PwDs to participate meaningfully in climate‑resilience initiatives.
“When PwDs fully understand climate risks and the tools available to manage them, they are better positioned to protect themselves and contribute to community resilience,” he said, adding that such training dismantles barriers to environmental governance.
Ms Nuhu Radia, Founder and CEO of Naglogu Care Foundation, pointed out structural challenges that heighten PwDs’ vulnerability—limited access to climate information, inadequate social support, inaccessible infrastructure, and economic hardships.
She called for disability‑friendly infrastructure, enhanced social protection, and targeted climate‑adaptation programmes, urging stronger government intervention.
Mr Issahaku Abdul Fatawu, Tamale Metropolitan Chairman of Persons with Physical Disabilities, appealed for disability inclusion from the outset of climate policy design and resource allocation. He thanked CORD Ghana for pioneering the inclusive training and urged government agencies, development partners, and local assemblies to back initiatives that equip PwDs with adaptation tools and livelihood opportunities.
By: Ishmael Barfi
Source: www.climatewatchonline.com
