Some women in the fishing business at Ada, Greater Accra Region, have appealed to industry leaders for urgent climate adaptation measures to safeguard infrastructure, livelihoods, and protect against worsening environmental threats.
The call was made during a community validation workshop organised by the Women’s Voices in Coastal Climate Adaptation (WOVCCA-RFPR) project at Ada.
Madam Christiana Doyoe, a fishmonger, told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) after the workshop that the community faces persistent challenges, including poor road access, lack of toilets, inadequate school desks, and the absence of a sea defense.
“These issues affect our daily lives. We struggle to transport goods to the market, and students often fall sick due to overcrowded classrooms,” she said.
She added that climate change and destructive fishing practices have worsened economic conditions, leaving many fishmongers jobless or unable to find fish to process. She called for economic relief, including reduced premix fuel prices to help sustain small businesses.
Madam Doyoe further highlighted the urgent need for clean water, dustbins, and functioning toilets, noting that the absence of public sanitation facilities impacts women’s dignity and the community’s public health.
“We are calling for bold infrastructure solutions to protect our communities from rising sea levels and tidal surges. We appeal for the construction of a sea defense wall to halt coastal erosion,” she added.
Another participant, Madam Gifty Baba, expressed concern that proposed adaptation measures could arrive too late, stressing the need for short-term solutions to address pressing challenges.
Mr. Khiddir Iddris, Leader of the WOVCCA-RFPR Project, said the initiative also seeks to document the gender-specific impacts of climate change in Ghana’s coastal zones and amplify women’s voices in shaping inclusive policy and planning.
He noted that the project team was committed to integrating insights from the workshop into an updated action plan and would engage local authorities and development partners to ensure community needs were addressed.
“The passionate appeals by the women demand urgent attention,” Mr. Iddris stated. “The WOVCCA-RFPR project is a step in the right direction, and we hope our efforts lead to meaningful change.”
He also appealed to corporate entities, individuals, and philanthropists to support climate adaptation efforts to strengthen the livelihoods of coastal communities.