Ghana has begun revising its national climate plan, known as the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0), in a move officials say will strengthen the country’s response to worsening droughts, floods, and rising temperatures while unlocking new international financing for development.
The process, officially launched in Accra with an inception workshop, is part of Ghana’s commitment under the Paris Agreement, the global accord that requires every country to regularly update its climate actions. The new plan will guide Ghana’s environmental and economic priorities from 2030 to 2035, replacing the 2021 version (NDC 2.0).
Officials describe the new NDC as a climate action blueprint that aims to build a greener, more resilient economy while addressing real-life challenges faced by Ghanaians in farming, health, energy, and job creation.
Taking Stock and Raising Ambition
The revision process begins with a nationwide stocktaking exercise to assess what has been achieved under the current NDC and where the gaps remain. According to the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Ghana implemented 47 climate-related actions over the past four years, covering areas such as renewable energy, forest protection, waste management, and sustainable agriculture.
The review will measure which programs worked, which did not, and what lessons can inform the next phase. It will also align Ghana’s targets with global efforts to limit warming to 1.5°C and attract more climate finance to support communities most affected by environmental shocks.
Dr Abdul-Razak Saeed, Head of the Environment Cluster at UNDP Ghana, reaffirmed the UN’s support for the process.
“We are helping Ghana develop a comprehensive plan that covers all sectors and adopts a whole-of-society approach. The new NDC will be economy-wide and aligned with both the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals,” he said.
From Policy to People: Climate Action on the Ground
While such plans often sound technical, their impact can be deeply personal. In farming communities across Ghana’s north, longer dry spells and erratic rains continue to threaten crops. The revised climate plan is expected to prioritize irrigation projects, drought-resistant seeds, and early warning systems, helping farmers like 62-year-old Adjoa Kpodo from the Volta Region better prepare for unpredictable weather.
“Last year, the rains came late and stopped too soon,” she said. “If they can bring small dams or help us grow crops that survive the sun, it will help.”
The new plan could also bring relief to millions of households that rely on firewood or charcoal for cooking. Through initiatives promoting clean cooking technologies and renewable energy, the government hopes to improve public health and reduce deforestation.
For rural communities without stable electricity, the NDC 3.0 will also emphasize solar mini-grids and other decentralized energy systems, which can power schools, clinics, and small businesses while cutting emissions.
Linking Climate Goals with Development
The NDC 3.0 revision is not just about environmental protection; it is also an economic strategy. By investing in climate-smart agriculture, energy efficiency, and local manufacturing of clean technologies, Ghana can create green jobs for its youth and enhance its competitiveness in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Economists say the country’s climate ambitions could attract more global climate finance, particularly from development partners and private investors seeking to fund sustainable projects in Africa.
At the launch workshop, experts from the public and private sectors discussed ways to improve policy coordination, strengthen institutions, and make climate investments more inclusive, ensuring that women, youth, and smallholder farmers all benefit.
A Whole-of-Society Effort
Beyond government institutions, civil society and traditional leaders are expected to play critical roles in shaping the plan. Officials say local participation is key to ensuring that policies are not designed from Accra alone but reflect realities in farming, fishing, and forest communities nationwide.
The review process will continue through 2026, with consultations planned across Ghana’s 16 regions. The final NDC 3.0 document will outline measurable targets for emissions reduction, adaptation, and financing.
Why It Matters
For many Ghanaians, climate change already feels less like a distant threat and more like a daily reality, whether through rising food prices, crop failures, flash floods, or water shortages. The revision of Ghana’s climate plan aims to turn these challenges into opportunities by mobilizing investment, modernizing agriculture, and protecting vulnerable communities.
In the words of Dr Saeed: “This is about more than meeting global targets. It is about protecting livelihoods, securing food, and building a future where every Ghanaian can thrive despite a changing climate.”
As Ghana charts its next chapter in climate action, the success of NDC 3.0 will depend not just on policies written in offices but on the lives changed in villages, farms, and towns across the country.
