By Raymond Rex Awiagah
The Story
Ghana has taken a bold step towards climate change progress by naming celebrated musician Okyeame Kwame as a Climate Change ambassador for the ENABLE Project.
The ENABLE project (Enhancing Access to Benefits while Lowering Emissions) is an initiative by the World Bank, the Forestry Commission of Ghana, and Solidaridad, an international organization working to create fair and sustainable supply chains.
ENABLE is not just about planting trees, it’s about reshaping the narrative of environmental responsibility through creative advocacy, community inclusion, and sustainable development.
What is the ENABLE Project impact in climate change progress
The overall development goal of the Enhancing Access to Benefits while Lowering Emissions (EnABLE) multi-donor trust fund-a global knowledge, operations, and technical assistance program-is to enhance the inclusion of beneficiary marginalized communities and disadvantaged groups in Emission Reductions Programs (ERPs) under Scaling Climate Action by Lowering Emissions (SCALE)* and its associated trust funds (including the Bio-Carbon Initiative for Sustainable Forest Landscapes (Bio-ISFL), the Carbon Initiative for Development (Ci-Dev), and the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF) to maximize their carbon and non-carbon benefits.
Achievement of this obiective is expected to contribute to broader outcomes, including improvement in the resilience of livelihoods, biodiversity conservation, and climate change mitigation.
Climate change progress: The Big Funding
Set up in December 2020 with a first contribution of €20 million from Germany (BMZ) to support inclusion and gender equity in 15 Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF) countries, EnABLE seeks to mobilize up to $200 million to support social inclusion in emission reductions projects of SCALE, including $100 million to support inclusion in FCPF ERPs.
By aligning with global frameworks like the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement, ENABLE mirrors the urgency of climate efforts seen around the world — from the EU’s Green Deal to the UN-REDD Programme (United Nations Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation).
Why Okyeame Kwame?
In appointing Okyeame Kwame as the face of this initiative Ghana, the ENABLE Project will gain a much deeper and rooted advocacy for change because he over the years used his voice to champion social causes in Ghana.
Key examples include the Made-in-Ghana campaigns, hepatitis awareness which has seen over thousands benefiting with free screening, and education.
Okyeame Kwame is more than an entertainer, he is a cultural icon. His artistry, authenticity, and influence have made him a trusted voice in Ghana.
Hence appointing him as an ambassador for the ENABLE Project, the conversation around re-afforestation and carbon credits in Ghana is poised to reach audiences far beyond policymaking circles. Through music, storytelling, and grassroots engagement, he bridges the gap between climate science and public consciousness.
The Global Trend: Artists Leading the Fight for climate change progress
Globally, musicians and artists are now playing key roles in environmental advocacy because protecting the environment is a collective responsibility.
From Music of the Spheres ColdPlay leading the way in eco-friendly tours, to Billie Eilish using her concerts to raise awareness about sustainability, the creative industry is fast becoming a key partner in climate change advocacy across the globe.
So, Okyeame Kwame now joins a league of global influencers who are making climate change a mainstream conversation.
His involvement aligns with global efforts by:
• The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which encourages partnerships with public figures to drive action.
• UNESCO, which promotes the use of culture and music in sustainable development.
• The Climate Music Project, using music to tell the urgent story of climate change
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What This Means for Ghana and Africa’s climate change progress
Africa is the least contributor to global emissions but among the most vulnerable to climate change. Hence, through projects like ENABLE, and having creatives like Okyeame Kwame leading the conversation, Ghana is setting a precedent for people-centered climate solutions.
Also,, carbon credit markets, if well-regulated and inclusive, can become a source of economic empowerment for rural communities. ENABLE taps into this potential by turning conservation into a viable livelihood.
Conclusion
Ghana has just started its efforts towards climate change progress and this initiative must be expanded to other African countries.
The ENABLE Project isn’t just another environmental initiative. With Okyeame Kwame on board, it becomes a movement one that merges culture, science, and community to create real impact. As the world grapples with climate change, the approach by the World Bank, the Forestry commission of Ghana and Solidaridad offers innovative solutions for climate change progress.