The Bono East Regional Minister, Francis Owusu Antwi, has intensified calls for stronger carbon credit initiatives as Ghana battles the growing effects of climate change.
Speaking at Nkoranza during the distribution of more than one million economic tree seedlings to farmers, Mr. Antwi said carbon credit programmes could play a major role in cutting greenhouse gas emissions while creating economic opportunities for farmers.
The tree seedlings are being distributed under the Agroforestry for Carbon Credit Project, which targets farmers in the Bono Region, Bono East Region and Savannah Region.
Mr. Antwi warned that climate change continues to disrupt livelihoods through rising temperatures, erratic rainfall patterns, floods, prolonged dry spells and thunderstorms.
He said the changing weather conditions pose serious threats to food production and the broader economy, making urgent intervention necessary.
“So, there is an urgent need to introduce and mainstream carbon credit activities,” he stated.
According to him, Bono East is already contributing to national climate action efforts through tree planting initiatives, revealing that the region has planted more than 355,480 tree seedlings under the national afforestation campaign.
He added that all 11 Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies in the region have been directed to enact bye-laws to combat bushfires.
The Regional Minister also disclosed that agricultural authorities are promoting climate-smart farming methods such as minimum tillage, agroforestry and proper fertilizer application techniques.
He noted that the region’s strong production of cashew and mango also contributes significantly to absorbing carbon emissions.
Mr. Antwi further praised government initiatives such as the Feed Ghana Programme, Nkoko Nketenkete initiative, irrigation projects and buffer stock interventions aimed at strengthening food security.
Meanwhile, Anitha Narahari, Deputy Country Director of the World Food Programme, said Phase II of the Changing Lives Transformation Fund Agroforestry Carbon Credit Programme is expected to benefit about 15,000 farmers, with 10,000 expected to directly receive seedlings.
She said the programme is designed to build resilient livelihoods, strengthen food systems and create sustainable economic opportunities for smallholder farmers.
