Climate Change Communication in Ghana: A Systematic Review of a Decade of Research (2013–2023)

  ABSTRACT: Climate change poses multifaceted threats to Ghana’s environment, economy, and social systems, making effective communication a critical instrument for public engagement and adaptation. This study systematically reviewed peer-reviewed literature on climate change communication in Ghana published between 2013 and 2023 to synthesise research trends, theoretical foundations, and thematic orientations. Guided by the Population–Intervention–Comparison–Outcome (PICOs) framework and PRISMA 2020 reporting standards, searches were conducted across eight databases including Google Scholar, EBSCOhost, Emerald, JSTOR, SAGE, Wiley Online Library, Taylor & Francis, and Academia.edu. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, forty studies met the eligibility threshold. Descriptive and qualitative syntheses revealed uneven but increasing scholarly interest in climate communication, with publication peaks in 2015 and 2021. The Journal of Sustainable Development and the International Journal of Climate Change Strategies and Management were leading outlets. The theoretical landscape was dominated by behaviour-oriented models, particularly the Theory of Behaviour Change (n = 17) and the Theory of Planned Behaviour (n = 8), while alternative perspectives such as social exchange or framing theories were rarely applied. Six thematic clusters emerged: local knowledge and institutions, challenges and opportunities, public awareness and understanding, climate-change education, communication strategies, and gender dimensions. The review concludes that Ghanaian scholarship on climate change communication remains active but fragmented, with underrepresentation of gendered, youth, and digital-media approaches. It recommends theoretical diversification, integration of participatory and culturally embedded strategies, and stronger interdisciplinary collaboration to enhance communication for adaptation and resilience.

Keywords: Climate change communication, Ghana, Systematic review, PICOs, Behaviour change theory, Adaptation