Accra: Ghana is on track to generate over five million jobs through waste management as part of its Nationally Determined Contributions 3.0 (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, according to Mr. Emmanuel Kwaasi Adjei, Principal Planning Officer at the Ministry of Labour, Jobs, and Employment. He shared this information during an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) at a National Social Dialogue on Green Jobs and Policies event organized by the Ministry in collaboration with the International Labour Organisation (ILO).
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Adjei highlighted that while Ghana's previous NDCs 2.0 aimed to create three million jobs through climate change actions, the focus on waste management alone has the potential to generate over five million jobs, given Ghana's waste management challenges. He pointed out that many countries are moving away from landfills and are recycling a significant portion of their waste to produce energy and other green products. Ghana is also exploring ways to convert waste into employment opportunities and solutions.
Mr. Adjei stated that the country has met several commitments under NDCs 2.0 and is now setting new targets for job creation from climate change solutions with NDCs 3.0. He emphasized the potential of the renewable energy sector to generate jobs, noting that Ghana's energy mix currently includes thermal and hydro, with renewable energy accounting for three to four percent. To protect the country against climate change, there is a need for increased investment in renewable energy, along with training youth in green skills such as solar installation and biodigesters.
Dr. Lloyd Ngo, Project Manager of the EU Ghana Skills Pact Project, explained that the NDCs are commitments made by the government under the Paris Agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, with key areas including energy production, transport, agriculture, and forestry. He mentioned that these areas were addressed in Ghana's NDCs 2.0, which is under review, with the government planning to complete the stocktaking and present NDCs 3.0 by the year's end.
Dr. Ngo highlighted the importance of involving employers and workers in the NDCs process, as climate change significantly impacts them. He stressed the role of social dialogue in driving collaboration among social partners and the government, ensuring their voices are part of the NDCs 3.0.
Discussing Ghana's energy mix, Dr. Ngo noted the country's historical reliance on hydroelectric power, which is considered renewable. However, due to climate change and other issues, Ghana has shifted towards fossil fuels, now sourcing about 70 percent of its energy from oil and gas. Despite the reasons for this shift, he emphasized the need for the government to develop alternative energy sources, highlighting that just transition is a shared responsibility.
Dr. Ngo concluded by emphasizing the global responsibility to maintain a sustainable environment, noting that neglecting environmental care could lead to job losses. He pointed out that climate issues, like floods and high temperatures, already impact workers, especially those in outdoor jobs such as construction and agriculture, forcing them to reduce working hours to manage heat exposure.
