Comparison of the Case Study with the Situation in Ghana
The case study “Restoring Hope Through Mangroves” from the Philippines highlights how mangrove restoration helps communities reduce climate risks, protect livelihoods, and build resilience. A similar situation exists in Ghana, especially in coastal and low-lying areas, although there are also some differences in scale, hazards, and institutional response.
Natural hazards and climate change impacts
In Ghana, common natural hazards include coastal flooding, sea-level rise, coastal erosion, storm surges, droughts, and unpredictable rainfall. Climate change has increased the frequency and intensity of flooding and erosion, particularly along the coast. This is similar to the Philippines, where typhoons and storm surges are becoming more destructive due to climate change. However, while the Philippines faces frequent cyclones, Ghana’s challenges are more related to gradual sea-level rise and rainfall variability.
Areas facing the greatest impacts
The most affected areas in Ghana include coastal communities such as Keta, Ada, Anloga, and parts of the Volta Delta, as well as flood-prone urban areas like Accra. These areas experience severe erosion, saltwater intrusion, and flooding—similar to coastal villages in the Philippines that rely on mangrove ecosystems for protection.
Communities most affected and why
Fishing communities, small-scale farmers, and low-income households are the most affected in Ghana. These groups depend heavily on natural resources for their livelihoods and often live in high-risk areas with limited infrastructure. Like in the Philippines case study, environmental degradation such as mangrove cutting and wetland destruction increases their vulnerability to climate hazards.
Local coping and adaptation methods
Local communities in Ghana use methods such as mangrove replanting, small-scale irrigation, livelihood diversification, seasonal migration, and traditional flood coping practices. Mangrove restoration efforts in areas like the Volta estuary closely resemble the Philippines approach, where communities restore ecosystems to protect shorelines and improve fisheries.
Institutional and external support
In Ghana, government agencies, local NGOs, community-based organizations, and international partners support climate adaptation efforts. Institutions such as the Forestry Commission, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and NGOs provide training, seedlings, awareness programs, and funding for ecosystem restoration. Similar to the Philippines case, external stakeholders such as development partners and international NGOs play an important role, although challenges remain with funding sustainability and enforcement of environmental regulations.
Conclusion
Both the Philippines and Ghana demonstrate that nature-based solutions like mangrove restoration are effective in building climate resilience. The key similarity lies in the role of community participation and ecosystem restoration, while the main difference is the type and intensity of climate hazards faced. Strengthening local institutions, enforcing environmental laws, and scaling up community-led solutions are essential for long-term resilience in Ghana.