Ghana calls for more climate funding to protect vulnerable countries

Ghana and other African nations are seeking increased financial assistance at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) to combat climate change and safeguard vulnerable communities and economies. The African Group of Negotiators (AGN) is pushing for more funding during the conference, held in Antalya, Türkiye.

Members of the Ghanaian delegation emphasized the need for reliable funding to protect infrastructure and communities from the impacts of climate change, such as floods, droughts, and rising temperatures. They stressed that the conference should move beyond promises and deliver the necessary financial support to implement climate action plans.

Nana Dr Antwi-Boasiako Amoah, Chair of the AGN, pointed out that the Paris Agreement, which celebrated its 10th anniversary this year, has yet to yield sufficient action to address climate change. He stressed that the rising effects of climate change have heightened the need for financial support, particularly for developing countries, despite the declining availability of resources to assist them.

The Ghanaian delegation proposed three issues for consideration at COP31 to transform climate promises into action. These include increasing funding for the Green Climate Fund, discussing trade policies that could impact African economies, and allocating more resources to help countries prepare for and respond to climate change effects.

Yaw Osafo, a lead negotiator from Ghana, called for a clear plan to guide countries through the transition to cleaner energy sources and economic activities while preserving jobs, livelihoods, and communities.

Dr Ama Essel, a negotiator focusing on climate health and cleaner development, called for experts from various regions to develop fair and simple methods for measuring countries' preparedness and response to climate change. She highlighted the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, which imposes costs on certain imported goods based on their production emissions, and stressed the need for African countries to assess potential impacts and prepare appropriate responses.

The delegation urged discussions with developing countries before implementing such policies to minimize potential harm to their economies. A high-level meeting of ministers on trade policies, climate change, and minerals for modern technologies is expected on November 17. The Ghanaian delegation also emphasized the importance of incorporating health considerations into climate discussions, as extreme weather events can adversely affect public health.