Adaptation to the Effects of Climate Change on Health: Cost Implications for Ghana

Abstract

This study estimates the additional investment that would be required by the Ghanaian government for adaptation to climate change in the health sector. The focus is on this sector because it is possibly the most important sector that has a direct impact on the Ghanaian population in the wake of climate change effects. The intention is to foster the debate on the cost of adaptation and the required additional investments. The estimates are based on the Methodology Guidebook for the Assessment of Investment and Financial Flows to address climate change designed by the UNFCC secretariat. The results show that Ghana would require about US$ 350 million by 2020 and US$ 352.54 million by 2050 in additional investment in the health sector. In the case of malaria, the country would require an additional investment of approximately US$ 7.6 million in 2020 and US$ 7.54 million in 2050. Recommendations include building the infrastructure for carbon markets in Ghana and provisioning financial incentives for firms that adhere to standards in limiting GHG emissions.