The resolution was adopted during a two-day peer learning exchange in Kumasi, organised by the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) project under the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The meeting brought together District Chief Executives (DCEs) and Coordinating Directors to assess progress on climate adaptation strategies and outline actionable next steps.

As part of the joint commitments, the assemblies committed to incorporating adaptation initiatives into Medium-Term Development Plans, establishing budget allocations, and implementing climate solutions including tree planting, irrigation, and green infrastructure development.

The aim is to boost local community resilience to climate-induced disasters such as floods, droughts, and land degradation, particularly in rapidly urbanising areas where environmental pressures are intensifying.

The forum concluded with a pledge to strictly enforce prohibitions on construction within waterways, wetlands, and green buffer zones.

Participants also agreed to lead local efforts to restore urban forests, parklands, and riparian vegetation.

Madam Ruhaims Salisu, District Coordinating Director of Kumbungu, underscored the need for leadership at the local level. “Climate action must begin at the Assembly level. If we lead by example, it will cascade to the grassroots,” she said.
She noted Kumbungu Assembly was exploring staff shuttle services and remote work options to lower vehicular emissions.

Mr. Godwin Bobobee, District Chief Executive of Asuogyaman, called for stronger collaboration between political and technical leadership at the local level.

“The laws are there, but implementation is weak. Technocrats and politicians must work together. Like the message in the ‘Captain Planet’ series, we must combine our powers to drive meaningful climate action,” he said.

Mr. Asumah Adam Briamah, Coordinating Director of the Cape Coast Municipal Assembly, proposed field monitoring by senior officials one day per week to improve compliance

“People are building in waterways and across drains, which blocks natural water flow and worsens flood risks. Climate change has already shifted rainfall patterns. Human activities like these only compound the risks. Vigilance is key,” he emphasised.
Nana Dr Antwi-Boasiako Amoah, NAP Coordinator, welcomed the decision as timely and aligned with national climate adaptation priorities.

He said the EPA, through the NAP, was supporting several Assemblies to develop district-specific Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessments (CRVAs) to guide evidence-based climate action at the local level.

“We need to be intentional and inclusive in our approach to addressing climate change. These assessments support knowledge-building, learning, and capacity development to deepen local understanding and leadership in climate adaptation,” he noted.

The NAP process involves “vertical integration,” aligning national adaptation objectives with district-level execution, and “horizontal coordination” across government departments to facilitate inclusive and systematic planning.

Ghana is experiencing increasingly severe climate impacts across multiple sectors, including agriculture, fisheries, water resources, forestry, and public health.
Enhancing local adaptive capacity remains a key measure to safeguard ecosystems, economic activities, and community well-being.