Officials of IOM and some journalists
The International Organisation for Migration (IOM), has urged the government to build the capacity of local Assemblies to enable them provide skills to address challenges facing people in urban centres as a result of climate-induced migration.
National Project Officer at IOM, Eric Kwame Akomanyi, who made the call at a presentation in Accra following a pilot study on climate change and human mobility, said there was the urgent need for local Assemblies, especially the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), to be resourced to support individuals migrating to Accra due to climate change.
According to him, the study, which used a qualitative approach, also explored how climate change intersects with gender dynamics within Accra, and also examined how climate change can be integrated into local development planning and resilience strategies.
Mr. Akomanyi said the IOM’s global position is that climate-related migration should be addressed through rights-based, inclusive, and forward-thinking governance frameworks.
He said while the AMA acknowledges its critical role in responding to these challenges, its planning has not fully incorporated the impacts of climate change on displacement, migration, and gender issues.
“There’s a need to build the capacity of city officials to understand and respond to the linkages between climate change and migration. At the community level, we recommend setting up local committees and effective early warning systems to enhance communication and preparedness in the event of sudden climate events,” he said.
“Climate-induced mobility should be mainstreamed into national and local policy frameworks, including development plans and budget allocations. It is essential that climate-related migration is integrated, planned for, and adequately resourced,” he added.
The study also highlighted key emerging themes, including the need for more comprehensive data to guide targeted responses such as data gaps, which in his view, remains a major challenge.
Mr. Akomanyi also said the study revealed that women are often the last to evacuate during climate disasters, prioritising the safety of their families and belongings.
“We have helped the AMA establish a migrant desk, which is a step in the right direction. Going forward, this desk should provide a comprehensive and sustainable referral mechanism to support displaced communities effectively,” he noted.
Meanwhile, Samson Asamoah Okyere, Head of the Climate Desk at AMA, reiterated the Assembly’s commitment to supporting migrants within the city, noting that the AMA uses data collection and analysis to develop and implement policies aimed at improving the lives of migrants.
He mentioned that through field visits and community engagements at migrant hotspots, the AMA identifies challenges and provide support in terms of job placement, protection of rights, and skills enhancement.
Mr. Asamoah Okyere indicated that, by matching migrant skills with available opportunities, it will enable the Assembly to promote self-reliance among migrant communities.
“We visit migrant communities, understand their issues, and respond one by one. We help them find jobs, protect their rights, and enhance their skills to match them with employment opportunities in Accra,” he stated.
He also mentioned plans to collaborate with foreign embassies to provide further support to migrants to create a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for all migrants in the city.
By Ebenezer K. Amponsah & Stella Botchwey