Climate change continues to cast a long shadow over West Africa, with Ghana experiencing its share of the devastating consequences. Unpredictable rainfall patterns, soaring temperatures, and a growing incidence of extreme weather events are reshaping livelihoods, particularly in vulnerable communities that rely heavily on agriculture and coastal resources.
During a recent field engagement with farmers in the Komenda Edina Eguafo Abirem Municipality, Dr. Stephen Yeboah, Senior Research Scientist at the Crop Research Institute, underscored how shifting rainfall patterns and other climate-related challenges have disrupted both household stability and the national economy. To mitigate these impacts, farmers have been introduced to improved seed varieties designed to boost yields without compromising quality. Yet, a critical gap remains: limited awareness among farmers about parametric and agricultural insurance policies. This knowledge gap leaves them dangerously exposed to unforeseen setbacks that can erase months, if not years, of hard work.
Ghana’s coastal communities are also on the frontline of climate-related disasters. Storm surges, tidal floods, and heavy rains routinely destroy livelihoods, damage infrastructure, and, tragically, claim lives. The human cost of these events is stark. Between June 21 and June 28, 2025, Cape Coast recorded the collapse of several residential buildings during heavy rains, resulting in three fatalities and multiple injuries. Preliminary findings suggest that all the collapsed structures were old, structurally weak, and critically uninsured.
Two More Buildings Collapse in Cape Coast, Bringing Weekly Total to Six
Madam Nicholina Naa Yeye Adumoah, Central Regional Manager of the National Insurance Commission, emphasized that property owners must prioritize insuring their buildings and assets under Ghana’s general insurance framework. Insurance, she stressed, is not merely a financial tool, it is a safety net that cushions individuals and families during times of crisis. Citing the recent collapse of six buildings in Cape Coast, Madam Adumoah noted that landlords and tenants who failed to insure their properties were left without recourse for recovery, compounding their vulnerability.
Quoting Ghana’s Insurance Act 1061, Section 218, she reminded the public that individuals who construct, own, or occupy commercial buildings are legally required to maintain insurance with a licensed insurer. This mandate exists not only to protect property but also to safeguard human life and economic stability. Non-compliance, she warned, could result in legal sanctions, including imprisonment.
The Path Forward
Climate change is an unavoidable reality, but its worst impacts can be mitigated through proactive measures. Beyond adopting climate-resilient farming techniques and infrastructure improvements, Ghana must urgently bridge the knowledge gap on insurance. Public education campaigns, policy enforcement, and community based advocacy can help ensure that farmers, homeowners, and business owners understand and act upon the necessity of insuring their properties and livelihoods.
In the face of growing climate threats, insurance should no longer be viewed as an optional expense, but as a shared responsibility and a strategic investment in resilience. Protecting our homes, our farms, and our businesses is not just about meeting legal obligations, it is about safeguarding the future of our communities. The time to act is now.
