COP29: Only Three African Countries Have Laws to Combat Climate Change

A staggering revelation emerged at the COP29 side event at the Ghana pavilion: only three out of 54 African countries have enacted laws addressing climate change. Dr. Mike David Terungwa, Africa Coordinator for Climate Civic International, disclosed that Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa are the sole nations to have taken this critical step.

Dr. Terungwa emphasized the imperative for African governments to allocate sufficient funds for climate change initiatives through parliamentary budgets. He stressed that while policies exist, laws possess greater potency in driving meaningful change.

In response, Dr. Antwi-Boasiako Amoah, Acting Director of Climate Vulnerability and Adaptation at Ghana’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), noted that Ghana has developed comprehensive policies. However, a bill addressing climate change remains pending in parliament, awaiting passage upon resumption.

Key Takeaways from COP29

• Leveraging Legal Frameworks: Effective climate action requires robust laws and policies.
• Communication is Key: Raising awareness and educating stakeholders, including MPs, is crucial.
• Funding, Messaging, and Communication: Addressing climate change necessitates tackling these fundamental issues, as highlighted by Madam Sophia Kudjoji, Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the JOSPONG Group.

Kofi Don-Agor, President of Climate Communications and Local Governance-Africa, commended the JOSPONG Group for sponsoring 25 Ghanaian journalists to attend the COP29 conference in Azerbaijan. This initiative aims to empower journalists with firsthand knowledge, enabling them to drive impactful climate change reporting.

As Africa strives to combat climate change, the need for collective action, effective governance, and strategic communication has never been more pressing. Will other African nations follow in the footsteps of Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa, or will the climate change conundrum persist? Only time will tell.