This paper discusses the challenges of climate proofing local development plans from the adverse impacts of climate change for sustainable development in Ghana. It argues that climate change impacts affect development interventions and adversely affect economic development and poverty reduction efforts. Consequently, there is a growing concern for development plans to be climate proofed to ensure their sustainability in a changing climate. Within a case study framework, data for the study was collected through in-depth interviews and content analysis of institutional reports.

The study revealed a number of challenges that affect the climate proofing of local plans in Ghana; weak institutional capacity, poor coordination of interventions, weak collaboration, lack of statutory support, short planning and political cycles, lack of climate change champions/advocates, neglect of indigenous knowledge to adaptation among others. The paper recommends that, local institutional capacities be strengthened, statutory planning and financial arrangements at the local authority levels be provided and collaborations across scales established to make climate proofing effective as a tool for achieving sustainable development in Northern Ghana.