Story by Asigre Apa-Alibila Susana
Farmers in the Upper East Region are suffering the brunt of a climate crisis as drought in the region have caused crops and other farm produce dry up because of poor rainfall in the area.
However, the country is experiencing extreme weather conditions, prolonged droughts in the north and heavy rains in the south both driven by climate change.
This, experts argue is a long-term shift in temperatures and weather patterns. While these changes can occur naturally, recent decades have seen a rapid rise in global temperatures due to human activities especially the burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas. These activities release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, trapping heat and altering the planet’s climate.
A farmer, Akolgo Atanga, 53-year-old said the rains used to come in April but now delay until July amounting to a single farming season.
Hardship
According to him, the drought results to dry, cracked soil and poor crop yields adding that families who rely on farming to pay school fees and buy food are being pushed into economic hardship.
The Ghana Meteorological Agency’s 2025 Climate Atlas Report indicates that rainfall patterns in northern Ghana have become increasingly unpredictable, with longer dry spells and shorter rainy seasons.
This, GMA report said has led to water shortages, reduced agricultural productivity, and rising food insecurity.
Climate change is also affecting public health, and the rising temperatures can lead to heat stress, while floods increase the risk of waterborne diseases.
Meanwhile, Children and the elderly are especially vulnerable. The changing climate is also affecting mental health, as families face uncertainty about their livelihoods and safety.
Recommendations
The GMA report encouraged government to build capacity of farmers on drought-resistant crops and water-saving techniques.
It also called for public awareness education campaigns can help communities understand climate risks and prepare for emergencies. Government policies and investment in climate adaptation are essential. However, Ghana’s National Framework for Climate Services, launched by GMA in 2023, is a step in the right direction.
