Ghana’s Minister of State for Climate Change and Sustainability, Hon. Seidu Issifu, has issued a strong call for global reforms in climate finance and debt justice, insisting that Africa’s just transition must not be delayed, underfunded, or dictated by others.
Speaking at the Technical Dialogue on Fair Finance and International Cooperation for a Just Transition for Africa in Addis Ababa, the Minister warned that unless urgent reforms are made, African nations will remain trapped in cycles of debt while being excluded from the benefits of the global energy transition.
Hon. Issifu stated, “This conversation is not just about finance, but about justice, equity, and dignity,” urging the international community to rethink its approach to Africa’s climate financing needs.
The event hosted by the Embassy of Colombia to Ethiopia, the African Forum and Network on Debt and Development (AFRODAD), and the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative set the stage for pivotal discussions ahead of the Second Africa Climate Summit, scheduled to begin in Addis Ababa next week.
Hon. Issifu highlighted that climate change is no longer a distant threat for Ghana but a lived reality, with farmers, coastal communities, and the national economy already bearing the brunt of rising temperatures and shifting weather patterns.
To address this, President John Dramani Mahama established the Office of the Minister of State for Climate Change and Sustainability, elevating climate governance to the highest level of political decision-making.
Through this office, the government is pursuing the establishment of a Climate Change and Sustainability Hub a dedicated centre of excellence for research, innovation, capacity building, and finance.
Complementing this initiative will be Climate Change and Sustainability Units embedded across all government ministries, agencies, and district assemblies.
“These innovations will ensure climate action is mainstreamed into every facet of governance, from energy and finance to industrial transformation.”
Hon. Seidu Issifu, Minister of State for Climate Change and Sustainability
Debt Trap Blocking Africa’s Transition
Despite these national measures, the Minister cautioned that Africa cannot finance its transition alone.
He noted that many African nations, including Ghana, spend more on debt servicing than on health, education, or climate action.
“The establishment of a Debt Resolution Facility is not charity it is an imperative.
“Without addressing the debt crisis, talk of a just transition for Africa remains hollow.”
Hon. Seidu Issifu, Minister of State for Climate Change and Sustainability
He went further to advocate for an institutionalized Climate Debt Forgiveness mechanism for Africa, one that would systematically free fiscal space and allow governments to redirect resources toward adaptation, resilience, and sustainable development.
Turning to international frameworks, Hon. Issifu expressed cautious support for the proposed Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, calling it an important tool to accelerate the global shift away from fossil fuels.
“Such a treaty must enshrine fairness, equity, and financial solidarity.
“Africa cannot pay the price twice first for a crisis we did not create, and second by being locked out of the benefits of the green transition.”
Hon. Seidu Issifu, Minister of State for Climate Change and Sustainability
He outlined five key financing priorities to ensure Africa’s transition is both fair and sustainable. These include expanding concessional finance and grants over loans, and implementing debt-for-climate swaps to create fiscal space for investment.
He also called for a permanent Climate Debt Forgiveness mechanism, alongside the deployment of innovative financing tools such as blended finance and green bonds.
Additionally, he emphasized the importance of stronger South–South cooperation, highlighting countries like Colombia as crucial partners in this effort.
At the heart of Ghana’s message is the insistence that Africa’s just transition must put people first.
“It must create green jobs for our youth, protect vulnerable communities, empower women, and ensure that no one is left behind.
“This is not just a climate agenda, it is a development agenda, a peace agenda, and a justice agenda.”
Hon. Seidu Issifu, Minister of State for Climate Change and Sustainability
As African leaders, ministers, and stakeholders gather for the Second Africa Climate Summit, Ghana is making its position clear: Africa’s transition must be financed fairly, built inclusively, and led by Africans themselves.
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