Ghana is seeking increased climate financing, dedicated funding for climate adaptation and loss and damage, and a fairer carbon market as it prepares for the 31st UN Climate Change Conference (COP31).
The priorities were outlined by the Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Dr Zanetor Agyemang-Rawlings, at Ghana’s National Pre-COP31 Meeting held on November 6 at Alisa Hotel in Accra.
She said Ghana’s participation in the global climate negotiations must focus on securing resources to address the effects of climate change, particularly in vulnerable communities.
The minister identified flooding, drought, rising temperatures, food insecurity and biodiversity loss as some of the growing threats facing the country.
She called for increased climate finance, adequate and protected funding for adaptation, dedicated resources to address loss and damage, and carbon markets that deliver tangible benefits to African countries.
Dr Agyemang-Rawlings also stressed the need for stronger coordination and information sharing among national stakeholders to ensure Ghana presents a unified position at COP31.
The meeting was organised to build national consensus around Ghana’s climate priorities and prepare a coordinated delegation for the conference.
Dr Peter Dery, who presented the meeting’s objectives and strategic direction, said stakeholder engagement and collaboration would be essential to strengthening national ownership of the priorities.
A representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Ghana highlighted the organisation’s work to strengthen climate resilience in Ghana and the wider sub-region, emphasising partnerships and collective action.
The Chief Director of the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology, Suweibatu Adams, delivered the welcome address, while remarks on behalf of the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Environmental Protection Authority were delivered by Audrey Quarcoo.
The discussions are expected to inform Ghana’s negotiating position at COP31 and contribute to Africa’s broader efforts to secure climate financing and advance its interests in international climate negotiations.
