The Ghana Climate Centre of Excellence (GCCE), led by its Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Ms Chauncia Wilis-Johnson, has paid a courtesy call on the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, to discuss strategic climate initiatives and explore opportunities for enhanced collaboration in advancing Ghana’s climate resilience agenda.
The delegation briefed the Speaker on the Centre’s ongoing programmes, with particular emphasis on its flagship shea and neem initiative, which seeks to empower rural women, promote sustainable livelihoods, and strengthen climate resilience in Ghana’s northern savannah ecological zone. The initiative integrates sustainable shea value chain development with environmental conservation and carbon sequestration efforts to improve household incomes while contributing to ecosystem restoration and climate change mitigation.
Rt. Hon. Bagbin commended the Ghana Climate Centre of Excellence for its innovative, community-driven approach to addressing climate change and promoting inclusive socio-economic development.
He described the shea initiative as a practical model that aligns with Parliament’s commitment to advancing climate-smart agriculture, environmental sustainability, and women’s economic empowerment. “The shea industry represents far more than an economic opportunity; it is a critical source of livelihood for countless women across northern Ghana. By integrating climate resilience into this value chain, you are helping to secure a more sustainable and prosperous future for our mothers, sisters and daughters,” the Speaker stated.
The Speaker further reaffirmed Parliament’s readiness to support initiatives that promote sustainable development and encouraged the Centre to engage the appropriate parliamentary committees to explore policy support, strategic partnerships, and potential funding opportunities to facilitate the expansion of the project.
He also urged other civil society organisations and development partners to adopt similarly inclusive and community-centred approaches to climate action. Ms Wilis-Johnson expressed appreciation for the Speaker’s warm reception and encouragement, reaffirming the Centre’s commitment to collaborating with Parliament, government institutions, development partners, and local communities to accelerate climate action and build a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future for Ghana.
Credit Kekeli K. Blamey
