GREEN JOBS FORUM

Green Economy Transition has become key in development discourse in light of the increasing effects of the climate crisis and rising unemployment, especially in Africa. Nonetheless, the shift to the green economy must be inclusive and just. The Green Jobs Forum, which was held under the theme “Transforming Northern Ghana into a Greener Economy – The Role of Stakeholders”, was held from 26th – 27th June 2023 at the Royal Cosy Hotel, Jirapa – Upper West Region of Ghana together with our partner Youth Advocacy on Rights and Opportunities (YARO). The forum brought together state institutions, civil society organisations (CSOs), traditional and religious leaders, agricultural entrepreneurs, academics and youth groups to have broader consultations on the transition to a Green Economy, as well as engage stakeholders on how the transition to a green economy should be inclusive and lead to decent green jobs creation.

Discussions at the forum centred on what infrastructure is needed for green job creation. How should educational curricula be tailored to suit green job creation? What level of financing is needed to achieve sustainability in green job creation? What are the implications of a shift towards a green economy for education and skills development in Ghana? What sectors should transform into a greener economy? What forms of energy are required in the transition to a green economy? The forum employed panel discussions, thematic breakout sessions and presentations. The following were identified as some challenges to the transition to a green economy in Ghana and, in particular, northern Ghana:

- Inadequate ‘green’ skills to take advantage of the green economy transition

- Educational curriculum not tailored to green economy opportunities

- Poor implementation of policies to support the green economy and creation of green jobs.

- Manifestation of diverse conflicts, i.e., land, chieftaincy and tribal that could hinder the transition to green economy

- Inadequate infrastructure to enhance the transition to a green economy

- Apathetic attitude towards the protection of natural resources

- Poor coordination of interventions by state agencies.

- No broader stakeholder consultation for the design of green jobs strategies.

- Adhoc policies and poor planning 

Summary points for policy recommendations:

- Localise the concept of Green Economy Transition

- Investment in TVET and STEM skills

- Ensure the inclusion of women and youth in leadership and decision-making positions to enhance their ability to contribute to discussions on the green economy

- Foster collaborations between state institutions and research institutions to ensure a smooth transition into the green economy

- Proper monitoring systems to ensure tracking and measuring the implementation of green economy initiatives must be put in place