Ghana: Press zooms in on warning that Ghana risks 2m deaths from extreme weather

The World Bank report that Ghana risks the death of 2 million people in the next 30 years from extreme weather conditions like floods and drought if measures are not instituted to combat climate change is one of the leading stories in the Ghanaian press on Thursday.
The Ghanaian Times reports that Ghana risks the death of two million people in the next thirty years from extreme weather conditions like floods and drought if measures are not instituted to combat climate change, a new World Bank report on the impact of climate change on country’s health sys­tems has revealed.
Titled ‘Climate and Health Vulnerability Assessment (CHVA)’ for Ghana was a collaborate study led by the School of Public Health of the University of Gha­na and stakeholders from various Ministries, said the deaths could occasioned by diseases, high tem­peratures, flood, and droughts.
The objective of the study was to assess the impact of climate risks on health and health systems.
It revealed that Ghana was highly vulnerable, especially to ill­ness like malaria, diarrhoea disease and health issues related to heat, air pollution, and infectious diseases are on the rise with the elderly, youth and children being particular­ly vulnerable.
Calling for urgent action to strengthen the resilience of the country’s health system against the adverse effects of climate change, the report underscored the need for the strengthening of primary healthcare infrastructure, integrating climate considerations into health policies and programmes, and increasing investment to mitigate the impact climate change on the country.
Speaking at the launch of CHVA in Accra on Friday, Sustainable De­velopment Programme Leader of the World Bank, Naila Ahmed, said the report was to “shed light on the intricate interplay between climate change and its impact on public health in Ghana.”
She also said the report revealed that the “elderly, women and chil­dren” and those living in the rural areas were vulnerable to climate change, saying those individuals disproportionately affected by the adverse health outcomes exacer­bated by climate change, further deepening existing socio-economic disparities.
The Lead Author of the CHVA, Professor Mawuli Dzodzomenyo, who is the Head of the Depart­ment of Biological, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health of the University of Ghana in a presenta­tion on the CHVA said there was not much data on climate change in relation to health, hence the study.
“The CHVA and research on climate change and also contributes to the development of climate resilient health systems. By analysing vulnerabilities and adaptive capac­ities, decision-makers can identify areas for improvement and allocate resources effectively,” he said.
The newspaper says that the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has released an amount of GH¢170, 775, 035.07 to healthcare providers across the country.
The payment covers claims of January and February 2024 for the lower-tier facilities who form the majority of healthcare providers.
It also covers up to November 2023 for upper- tier facilities and healthcare providers.
The NHIA in a statement issued in Accra yesterday and copied the Ghanaian Times said the payment was made on Tuesday, April 30, 2024.
The statement signed by the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the NHIA, Dr Dacosta Abo-agye, said the payment was in fulfilment of the NHIA’s mandate. It said the payment was also to ensure the continued provision of quality healthcare services to all citizens across the country.
“Management of the NHIA thanks all credentialed healthcare facilities for their dedication to the well-being of our communities and wishes all workers a Happy May Day,” the statement said.
It said the payments to healthcare facilities can be verified via nhis.gov.gh/payments.
Since its inception, the NHIS had over the years grown to become a major instrument for financing healthcare delivery in Ghana and financial mainstay of over 4, 600 credentialled healthcare service providers in the country, accounting for more than 85 per cent of funds that flow into healthcare facilities to treat NHIS members.
The Scheme is credited for helping the poor and vulnerable to seek healthcare, thereby avoiding unnecessary deterioration in their health conditions.
The Graphic reports that during the annual May Day celebration on Wednesday, May 1, 2024 in Accra, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo announced that the recent challenges in electricity supply, known as “dumsor,” have been effectively resolved.
Addressing attendees, the President expressed optimism that the erratic power supply issues are now a thing of the past, thanks to successful resolutions of problems related to transformers and gas supply.
“I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Ghanaians for their patience and understanding during the recent temporary challenges with electricity supply across the country,” stated President Akufo-Addo.
“Over the period, the issues surrounding transformers and gas supply have been successfully resolved resulting in sufficient improvement in power supply reliability”.
President Akufo-Addo highlighted the efforts made over the past seven years to ensure a reliable power supply, expressing confidence that the era of “dumsor” is behind the nation and will not return.
“Indeed, over the past few days, we have witnessed stable electricity supply across the country with no load-shedding reported anywhere yesterday.”
“For the past seven years we have worked tirelessly to keep the lights on and I am confident that the unfortunate era of dumsor will not return,” he added.
The newspaper says that the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has extended solidarity to Ghanaian workers on May Day, expressing his eagerness to collaborate with them in reshaping the country’s trajectory.
In a statement issued on May 1, 2024, Mr. Mahama assured Ghanaian workers of his dedication to working alongside them to address the various challenges confronting the country.
Encouraging workers to maintain hope, he reiterated his confidence in the country’s capacity to overcome its current adversities.
He underscored the significance of collective action in lifting the country out of its present difficulties, mentioning the necessity for unity and cooperation to achieve substantial progress.
Regarding the upcoming December 7 elections, Mr. Mahama viewed it as a crucial opportunity to alter the country’s course.
“The forthcoming elections on December 7 offer us a pivotal opportunity to alter our current trajectory and set a new course. During my first tenure as President, I steered the affairs of this nation through similar challenging times”, he stated.
Reflecting on his previous presidential tenure, he highlighted achievements in navigating similar challenges, including resolving a significant energy crisis, implementing a universal salary structure, and driving transformative infrastructural development.
“We overcame a significant energy crisis, implemented a universal salary structure, spearheaded transformative infrastructural developments, and built a more resilient economy,” he added.
Mr. Mahama advocated for workers’ support of his 24-hour policy proposal, aimed at revitalising the country and creating job opportunities for the people.
GIK/APA