Provide incentives for organisations to respond to climate change- STCCI tells gov’t

In the face of a global crisis of climate change, and rising appetite for industrialization, a call has been made of government to provide incentivising packages to companies that consciously innovate and adapt to technologies and practices that ensures green and sustainable environment.

The idea which was promulgated by the Chair of the Sekondi Takoradi Chamber of Commerce and Industry , Ato Van Ess, seeks to promote responsible and sustainable use of environmental resource whiles checking on human activities that threatens it.

Speaking at the sidelines of the 2019 Ghana Industry Safety Conference organized by the STCCI on the theme “Climate Change and Occupational Health and Safety”, Mr Van Ess proffered that some deliberate policy action is required to support companies that demonstrate a commitment to climate change protocols.
He cried that the cost implications for companies in terms of machinery and stock are major challenges to organisations who wish to respond to requirements for environmental friendlier technologies and systems, especially when old installations whose cost have not been ploughed back, have to be overhauled.

“That is the difficulty with climate change. If you’ve invested in your equipment and technology for some years and you’ve not even reaped the benefit and because of climate change you have to change, then its a disincentive” he explained.

He however emphasised that the benefit of being responsive to climate change issues and emerging and proven technology and systems would inure to good of all lives and generations ahead.

He believes some advocacy need to be raised to support this call, especially for Small and Medium Enterprises to access the needed capital to procure environmental friendlier technology to improve their businesses.

“We have to start a way of advocacy, such that if you are considered environmentally friendly there would be some tax incentives for you” Mr Van Ess suggested.

Mr Van Ess is optimistic some action would be taken to reflect and resolve these critical barriers; that he trust would be initiated by the UN and implemented by member states.