University of Ghana Pro Vice-Chancellor warns of rising temperatures and health risks
Professor Samuel Nii Ardey Codjoe, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Development at the University of Ghana, highlighted the health implications of climate change in Ghana during his inaugural lecture on August 13, 2026. His research in Tamale and Accra revealed extreme temperatures, with a cooking area reaching 48.1 degrees Celsius and a blacksmith shop in Tamale recording 61 degrees Celsius. He questioned the productivity of individuals working in such conditions. Professor Codjoe also called for measures to reduce flooding to combat water-borne diseases like schistosomiasis, also known as bilharzia or snail fever, which commonly affects school-aged children. He emphasized that climate change extends beyond environmental concerns, encompassing health, social, cultural, and economic dimensions. He suggested integrating indigenous knowledge with scientific understanding to enhance health systems, adaptation strategies, and community resilience in Ghana and across Africa.
