GIMPA Law School pledges bold reforms in fight for climate justice
Plans are also underway to establish a dedicated Research Centre on Climate Law and Policy to support evidence-based legal research and offer training for judges, lawmakers, and advocates
The Dean of GIMPA Law School Kwaku Agyeman-budu has called for urgent legal and policy reforms to confront Ghana’s growing climate crisis, warning that the country risks losing up to 10% of its GDP by 2050 if decisive action is not taken.
Speaking at the opening of the 2025 GIMPA Law Conference on Climate Justice, held at the Dr. Daniel McKorley Moot Courtroom in Accra, Agyeman-budu described climate change as an “existential threat” and stressed the crucial role of the legal community in crafting sustainable solutions.
“We are gathered at a time when the very air we breathe and land that sustains us are under unprecedented threat,” he said. “Climate change is no longer a future hypothetical—it is our present reality.”
Themed “Climate Justice in Ghana: The Role of Law and Policy Towards Sustainable Development,” the two-day conference aims to evaluate Ghana’s legal response to climate change and explore pathways for more inclusive, resilient, and effective policymaking.
Agyeman-budu highlighted that while Ghana has made strides—such as ratifying the Paris Agreement and launching a National Climate Change Policy—current frameworks fall short in safeguarding vulnerable populations, particularly women, children, and the poor.
“Public participation remains limited, and the legal tools we have are not yet robust enough to protect those most affected,” he noted.
To address this, the GIMPA Law School announced a bold academic expansion: the integration of climate law and policy into its curriculum at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Plans are also underway to establish a dedicated Research Centre on Climate Law and Policy to support evidence-based legal research and offer training for judges, lawmakers, and advocates.
Former Second Lady of Ghana and Global Champion for the Clean Cooking Alliance, H.E. Samira Bawumia, who delivered a keynote speech at the event, welcomed the move.
“Climate justice must not leave anyone behind, especially women and children who suffer disproportionately from climate impacts,” she said. “We need inclusive climate policies, and that starts with legal education and advocacy.”
Mrs. Bawumia further emphasized the need for investments in clean energy access, gender-responsive policy frameworks, and support for community-led climate initiatives.
The conference is expected to generate recommendations for legal reform and stronger institutional responses to climate-related challenges across Ghana.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were the Deputy Rector of GIMPA, Prof. Ebenezer Adaku, and the Minister of State for Climate Change and Sustainability, Hon. Baba Issifu Seidu.
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