The AC4NCA delegation, led by its Global Lead, Samuel A. Jinapor, MP, a key climate advocate on the international stage, commended the ministry for its significant work since its inception. It also underscored the importance of establishing a ministry dedicated solely to addressing climate change.
“The establishment of a dedicated ministry for climate change is a bold and necessary step for Ghana,” Mr. Jinapor said. “We at AC4NCA pledge our full support because the fight against climate change requires strong leadership and effective collaboration.”
He reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to working with the government on policy, advocacy, and local interventions to accelerate nature-based climate action.
Minister of State for Climate Change and Sustainability, Issifu Seidu, welcomed the Centre’s support and reiterated the government’s commitment to working hand in hand with civil society and other stakeholders.
“Effective collaboration is key,” the Minister stated. “We are committed to partnering with non-state actors, particularly civil society organizations, to strengthen Ghana’s climate response.”
He revealed that the Ministry plans to work with Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to establish Climate and Sustainability Desks at the local level. These desks will serve as focal points for climate initiatives and awareness in local communities across the country.
He also emphasized the urgency of financing climate action, revealing that the Ministry will explore climate debt forgiveness mechanisms and mobilize funding in partnership with CSOs to build resilience.
“In 2020, Ghana lost US$195 million due to climate-induced disasters like droughts and floods,” Hon. Seidu stressed. “Projections show that by 2050, we could be losing close to US$550 million annually if nothing is done.”
He further called for climate debt forgiveness to be championed as a collective African demand. He noted that Ghana must develop a common national voice on climate issues, which translates into a unified African voice. He stressed the importance of telling Africa’s climate stories properly to reflect realities on the ground.
Meanwhile, Renowned veteran international journalist and Board Member of AC4NCA, Kwaku Sakyi-Addo, emphasized that advocacy is a key pillar of AC4NCA, underscoring the crucial role of communication in shaping nature-based solutions and climate awareness in Africa.
“A lot of climate change advocacy is based on effective communication so that our various stakeholders can understand why this is important to their livelihoods,” he noted.
He added that Nature-Based Solutions represent one of the most efficient, cost-effective and practical ways of addressing climate change.
The meeting marked the beginning of what both parties described as a long-term partnership aimed at positioning Ghana and the wider Africa as a global leader in nature-based climate action.
