The Green Africa Youth Organization (GAYO), in partnership with the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) and HERA, has raised concerns over the growing impact of extreme heat on communities across Ghana.
The organisation says rising temperatures are increasingly becoming a threat not only to public health but also to livelihoods, food security, household incomes and the environment.
The concerns were raised during the launch of a Heat Campaign at the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, where stakeholders called for greater public awareness and community action to address the growing effects of extreme heat.
Speaking at the event, Betty Osei Bonu, Operations Programme Director at GAYO, said the effects of rising temperatures are being felt in different aspects of everyday life.
“Heat is not only a health issue; it affects our livelihoods, our food security, our environment and our incomes,” she stated.
According to her, extreme heat can have significant consequences for people whose livelihoods depend on outdoor activities and informal economic activities, while also increasing the risk of heat-related health challenges.
She further noted that the effects of extreme heat extend beyond high temperatures, with implications for flooding, household finances and the ability of communities to cope with environmental challenges.
“When we talk about heat, we are not just talking about the temperature. We are talking about how it affects the way people live, how they work and how much they are able to earn.”
Heat and household incomes
GAYO says rising temperatures can affect the incomes of households, particularly those engaged in outdoor work and small-scale trading.
For market traders and other businesses dealing with perishable products, prolonged periods of high temperatures can also increase the risk of food spoilage and financial losses.
The organisation believes that greater attention must therefore be paid to the economic dimension of Ghana’s heat crisis.
Impact on health
Extreme heat can increase the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion and other heat-related illnesses, particularly among vulnerable groups.
GAYO is therefore advocating increased public education to help communities understand the risks associated with prolonged exposure to high temperatures and the measures they can take to protect themselves.
A growing environmental concern
The organisation also linked the heat challenge to broader environmental concerns, including the changing nature of Ghana’s climate and its implications for communities.
The Heat Campaign is expected to focus on public education and community engagement, encouraging people to better understand extreme heat and adopt measures that can reduce its impact.
For GAYO, tackling the heat crisis will require collaboration between government, local authorities, civil society organisations and communities.
The organisation is consequently calling for stronger awareness, better preparedness and practical interventions to protect people, livelihoods and the environment as Ghana continues to experience rising temperatures.
Ghana/Atinkaonline.com|Mensah Maxwell, TMG Research and Investigative Desk