Climate finance must come as grants, not loans – Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has urged developed nations to honor their overdue climate finance pledges, emphasizing that assistance for vulnerable countries should be provided as steady grants instead of loans. Delivered during the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session on September 24, Mahama highlighted that Africa bears the brunt of climate change, despite contributing less than four percent of global greenhouse gas emissions.

"Climate justice necessitates that developed countries fulfill their long-standing financial commitments. Support for mitigation must be implemented with reliable, non-debt-increasing grants, not loans that further burden fragile economies," he stressed. Africa is grappling with the consequences of climate change, including erratic rainfall, coastal erosion, and accelerating desertification, Mahama pointed out.

He cited a recent event in Ghana, where torrential rainfall of over 160 millimeters fell across seven coastal areas in a single day, causing 39 deaths and leaving one person missing. To those who dismiss climate change as a "hoax perpetrated by geopolitical opponents," Mahama warned that the recent warnings are "indisputable." The president underscored that climate change is "the ultimate test of global equity" and called for a more equitable approach to financing climate action in vulnerable nations.