President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has issued a strong call to world leaders at COP29, urging them to move beyond promises and take decisive action to tackle the global climate crisis.
Speaking at the World Climate Leaders Summit on Wednesday, President Akufo-Addo’s speech resonated with an audience of international delegates, emphasizing the real and immediate threats climate change poses, especially to developing countries like Ghana.
“Today, we gather not merely as leaders or policymakers, but as individuals bound by our love for our lands and future generations. We’re here to declare we stand in solidarity for a green world.”
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo
He emphasized that for Ghana, climate change is not an abstract issue but a daily reality impacting farmers, coastlines, and communities across the nation. Rising temperatures, unpredictable weather patterns, and increased flooding are not just environmental threats but substantial risks to the country’s economy and society.
President Akufo-Addo described Ghana’s response as both resilient and committed. “In 2021, Ghana submitted updated nationally determined contributions to the United Nations, encompassing 47 programs to mitigate and adapt to climate impacts,” he stated.
These contributions, known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), are part of Ghana’s roadmap toward achieving its emissions reduction target by 2030. Ghana aims to cut emissions by 64 million metric tons by the end of the decade, a goal that will require an investment of between $10 billion and $15 billion USD.
President Akufo-Addo acknowledged the significant financial and technical challenges involved but reaffirmed Ghana’s determination to fulfill its commitments to the Paris Agreement.
President Akufo-Addo highlighted several notable achievements as evidence of Ghana’s proactive approach to climate mitigation and adaptation.
Since 2017, the Green Ghana project has planted 50 million trees, and forest restoration efforts have covered an impressive 721,000 hectares. These efforts represent Ghana’s commitment to reforestation and carbon sequestration as key strategies in the fight against climate change.
Furthermore, Ghana has taken steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions significantly, cutting them by 43% since 2021 through 13 mitigation actions spanning various sectors.
The country’s National Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy, supported by tax incentives, encourages the adoption of sustainable mobility solutions.
Additionally, Ghana’s energy transition framework, which President Akufo-Addo described as a guiding document for a green future, aims to reduce dependency on fossil fuels and promote renewable energy alternatives.
Call for Concessional Financing and Global Responsibility
President Akufo-Addo also drew attention to Ghana’s success in generating climate financing through carbon markets.
“Through article 6 of the Paris agreement, Ghana has mobilized $800 million by trading carbon credits with nations like Switzerland and Sweden. However, we cannot reach our climate goals alone.”
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo
President Akufo-Addo’s speech extended a firm plea to developed nations and global financial institutions to honor their climate finance commitments.
“We call on our global partners to honor their commitments, ensuring accessible concessional financing for sustainable development in Africa without unsustainable debt.”
He called for concessional financing, which offers low-interest rates and extended payment terms, as a means to support Africa’s climate agenda without further exacerbating debt crises across the continent.
As a father and grandfather, Akufo-Addo reflected on the responsibility of today’s leaders to secure a livable world for future generations. He expressed hope that COP29 in Azerbaijan would be remembered as a turning point, where leaders shifted from dialogue to concrete action.
“Our children’s future hinges on our decision that COP29 here in Azerbaijan marks a pivotal shift from dialogue to decisive action,” he asserted, expressing Ghana’s readiness to stand with the global community in pursuit of a sustainable, resilient future.
The COP29 summit in Azerbaijan has highlighted climate themes, with a consensus that meaningful financial and technical support is crucial for enabling vulnerable nations to address and adapt to the realities of climate change.
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