Collaborate to address climate change — Climate Analyst

A valedictorian of the August 2024 graduating cohort of the University of Ghana (UG) School of Graduate Studies, Gifty Owusu, has reiterated the call for an urgent collaboration among stakeholders in addressing issues of climate change and its effects.

She said considering the consequences of climate change all stakeholders must continue to push for policies that prioritized environmental sustainability.

“As a climate and sustainability scientist, let me clarify that climate change is real and affects everyone, everywhere, this makes it a duty and responsibility of each of us here to play a role in addressing this global challenge,” she said.

Miss Owusu who is an Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) and Climate Analyst at Makers and Partners, an audit firm made the clarion call on the sidelines of the University’s August 2024 congregation ceremony in Accra.

She indicated that in the face of global climate change, Ghana was pioneering a new frontier in Africa’s green economy: the carbon market.

She emphasized that this innovative mechanism is not only addressing the pressing need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also opening up new avenues for economic growth and sustainable development.

“At the heart of Ghana's carbon market strategy lies its commitment to the Paris Agreement, as a signatory, Ghana has pledged to significantly reduce its carbon footprint, a promise that has catalyzed the development of its carbon trading infrastructure,” she said.

The valedictorian who was crowned with a Final Grade Point Average (FGPA) of 3.96, also highlighted the need for students to uphold the principles of integrity and authenticity to achieve high standards and as well protect UG’s reputation both locally and internationally.

She mentioned that this includes avoiding plagiarism and properly citing sources, following instructions and guidelines for assignments and exams, and refraining from cheating, falsifying data, or sabotaging others’ work.

After her successful completion of the MSc. programme as the best graduating student with an impressive FGPA 3.96, her immediate desire is to continue with doctoral studies to fulfill her desire and ambition to eventually work as an academic.