By Eugene Davis
The Climate Communications and Local Governance Africa (CCLG-Africa), a climate advocacy group, paid a courtesy call on the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, and presented the Climate Clock to him, he was also inducted into office as its Chief Patron.
CCLG-Africa is a network of media professionals, environmental experts, and local governance practitioners dedicated to addressing issues concerning climate change and environmental sustainability.
The visit, which included representatives from other civil society organizations and government agencies, aimed to raise awareness about the devastating effects of climate change and strengthen collaboration with the Speaker. Given Speaker Bagbin’s continuous support for CCLG-Africa’s initiatives, the group used the occasion to induct him formally and present him with the climate clock. The clock highlights the urgency of addressing climate change, particularly emissions reduction, adaptation, and mitigation efforts.
Purpose of the Visit
Speaking on behalf of the group, CCLG-Africa’s President, Kofi Don-Agor, emphasized the importance of the visit, stating that it served to introduce the council members and the organization’s membership to the Speaker. He also highlighted the group’s commitment to building the capacity of youth at the local level, a task that has been ongoing for some time.
Mr. Don-Agor expressed gratitude to Speaker Bagbin for his unwavering support over the years, which enabled the group to participate in global climate summits, including COP 27 through COP 29.
“We are here to present our council members and the entire membership to you, Speaker. Over the years, we have worked tirelessly to educate young people at the local level, filling the significant gap in climate education at the grassroots. Your support has been instrumental in these efforts, and today we are here to induct you as our patron, hoping you will continue to champion our vision of climate communications,” he stated.
Speaker Bagbin’s Commitment
In response, Speaker Bagbin commended the group for its impactful work and pledged his support as their Chief Patron. He emphasized the critical importance of addressing climate change, describing it as an existential threat to humanity.
“This partnership you have all witnessed between me and CCLG-Africa is vital. Climate change is an existential threat to the human race, and we all must invest in preventing its catastrophic impacts. Your efforts to connect climate change with local governance are commendable and will help the grassroots better understand and engage with these issues,” he said.
Presentation of the Climate Clock
As part of the visit, the group presented the climate clock to the Speaker. Prof. Nana Ama Browne Klutse, a lecturer at the University of Ghana’s Physics Department and a climate activist, explained the significance of the clock. It serves as a reminder of the limited time left—less than five years—to phase out fossil fuels before global temperatures reach 1.5 degrees Celsius, the threshold beyond which the worst effects of climate change could become irreversible.
She remarked, “The clock underscores the urgency of taking critical action. Though Ghana has contributed little to global emissions, we bear the brunt of climate change. If global temperatures rise beyond 1.5 degrees Celsius, the impacts will be devastating.”
The climate clock vividly illustrates the world’s remaining time to take decisive action against climate change, urging collective responsibility and swift measures to avert its catastrophic consequences.
