Ghana has reaffirmed its commitment to climate leadership on the African continent through strengthened diplomatic coordination and whole-of-government collaboration.
This followed a working visit by Mr. Issifu Seidu, Minister of State for Climate Change and Sustainability, to Mr. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration.
The engagement formed part of a broader strategy by the newly established Office to align national institutions, international missions, and development partners behind Ghana’s climate resilience and sustainability agenda.
During the meeting, Mr. Seidu presented the vision, mandate, and emerging priorities of his office, stressing that effective climate action required stronger inter-sectoral coordination, international engagement, and strategic partnerships.
He outlined key steps already taken to operationalise the government’s climate agenda, including the establishment of an Inter-Ministerial and Agency Technical Working Group bringing together ministries, state agencies, civil society organisations, and the private sector to harmonise climate interventions across sectors.
He also disclosed plans to set up a National Climate and Sustainability Hub to centralise climate data, research, financing mechanisms, and capacity-building initiatives, as well as proposals to institutionalise Climate Change and Sustainability Units across public agencies.
Mr. Seidu underscored the importance of leveraging Ghana’s diplomatic missions and embassies to advance the country’s climate interests, attract investment, and unlock international financing opportunities.
He highlighted carbon credit markets as emerging revenue streams for Ghana, calling for debt relief initiatives for African countries disproportionately affected by climate change but constrained by high external debt burdens.
“Flexible financing arrangements and debt forgiveness will create fiscal space to scale up climate adaptation and mitigation programmes, with long-term economic and environmental benefits,” he added.
Mr. Ablakwa commended Mr. Issifu’s leadership and welcomed the President’s decision to establish the Office of the Minister of State in charge of Climate Change and Sustainability.
He observed that Ghana’s proactive approach to climate issues had enhanced its standing within the international community and pledged the full support of his Ministry in advancing the office’s mandate.
He assured technical and capacity support to strengthen Ghana’s representation in global climate negotiations and diplomatic platforms, noting that Hon. Issifu’s appointment to the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF) further elevated Ghana’s credibility in global climate diplomacy.
Both ministers agreed on a structured roadmap to leverage Ghana’s diplomatic missions to advance climate advocacy, financing, and partnerships.
Priority areas identified included climate diplomacy and representation at global forums such as the UNFCCC and COP meetings, and mobilisation of climate finance and technology.
The others were capacity-building through knowledge exchange with universities and diaspora networks, promotion of green investment opportunities, and support for carbon markets and Article 6 cooperation under the Paris Agreement.
The strengthened collaboration is expected to boost climate financing inflows, enhance Ghana’s preparedness for major global climate engagements, and promote coherent national positions in international climate governance.
