The President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo, has said Ghana’s climate strategy targets reducing emissions by 64 million metric tons by 2030, requiring significant investment between US$10 and US$15 billion.
Addressing other global leaders and policymakers for the last time, at the ongoing COP29 summit, in Azerbaijan, he affirmed Ghana’s resolve to fulfil its commitments under the Paris Agreement across key sectors, including agriculture, transport, forestry, and energy.
According to the president, through partnerships under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, Ghana has secured US$800 million by trading carbon credits with countries including Switzerland and Sweden.
He, however, stressed the need for more support, urging global partners to fulfil their financial commitments and provide concessional financing to support Africa’s sustainable development without imposing unsustainable debt burdens.
Ghana’s updated nationally determined contributions, submitted to the United Nations in 2021, outline 47 programs aimed at mitigating climate impacts and enhancing adaptation efforts.
President Nana Addo cited initiatives such as the Green Ghana Project, which has planted 50 million trees and restored 721,000 hectares of forest since 2017 as part of Ghana’s contribution to mitigating climate impacts.
Additionally, the president pointed to three targeted mitigation actions which have reduced Ghana’s annual greenhouse gas emissions by 43% since 2021.
Ghana’s national electric vehicle policy, supported by tax incentives, and a comprehensive energy transition framework were cited as key components in Ghana’s shift towards sustainable mobility and cleaner energy.
Reflecting on his role as a father and grandfather, the President questioned the legacy current leaders would leave for future generations, calling for COP29 to be a turning point. “Our children’s future hinges on our decisions,” he said.
He urged the global community to move from dialogue to bold action, asserting, “Let us act decisively to show future generations that we fought for them.”
He concluded by affirming Ghana’s solidarity with the international community in the fight against climate change, declaring Ghana’s commitment to a green, resilient future.
