COP31: Ghana’s Climate voices must not be left behind in the accreditation queue
The controversy over Ghana's delegation sizes at previous climate conferences seems to have created a new challenge: limiting access to the United Nations Conference of the Parties (COP) for fear of political criticism. As the world prepares for the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Türkiye, from 9 to 20 November 2026, concerns are mounting among Ghanaian climate…
Ghana's climate activists, civil society organisations, academics, researchers and other stakeholders are concerned about difficulties securing accreditation to participate in the upcoming United Nations Conference of the Parties (COP31) in Antalya, Türkiye from 9 to 20 November 2026. The controversies surrounding Ghana's delegation sizes at previous climate conferences, particularly COP26 in Glasgow and COP28 in Dubai, have raised concerns about the future of their participation.
Ghana's participation in COP26 attracted controversy after reports of approximately 337 Ghanaians being registered for the conference in Glasgow, United Kingdom. Critics suggested that the government was overspending on a large delegation during a time of economic difficulties. The issue resurfaced during COP28, when Ghana reportedly recorded 618 participants, of which only 95 were officially sponsored by the Government of Ghana.
The main problem is the public debate's failure to distinguish between registered participants and government-funded delegates. Government-sponsored delegates are individuals whose participation expenses are covered by the Ghanaian government, while Country Badge Holders are participants registered under Ghana's Party allocation through the UNFCCC accreditation system.
The latter can include government officials, civil society representatives, academics, researchers, journalists and private sector actors, some of whom may independently finance their travel and accommodation.
The distinction between government-sponsored delegates and Country Badge Holders is crucial, as being registered under Ghana's country allocation does not automatically mean that an individual's participation is financially sponsored by the government. Accusing Ghana of political criticism over delegation size risks undermining the inclusive climate diplomacy needed to address the country's climate challenges, such as coastal erosion, illegal mining, deforestation and biodiversity loss.
Written by urgent.news from MyJoyOnline Ghana's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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