Ghana’s Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah (MP), has issued a powerful call for fairness, inclusivity, and strategic partnership in the global energy transition, declaring that Africa must be seen not as a victim of climate change, but as a central player in shaping a sustainable future for humanity.
Speaking at the ongoing 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Belém, Brazil, Hon. Buah delivered a passionate address that placed Africa’s perspective at the heart of the global climate dialogue.
His message reflected both urgency and optimism, an appeal for climate justice, and meaningful cooperation rather than sympathy or handouts. “As you know, Africa is a continent of unparalleled potential,” he said.
“Yet for our contributions to human history and culture, our contributions to the climate crisis have been minimized.
“Though we are among the lowest emitters, we are on the front lines bearing the heaviest burdens.”
Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah (MP), Minister for Lands and Natural Resources
The Minister highlighted that Africa, despite contributing less than 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions, continues to endure the worst impacts of climate change.
From devastating floods to scorching heatwaves and droughts, the continent’s vulnerability, he said, represents a deep global imbalance that must be corrected through practical and equitable action. “The evidence is all around us,” Buah stated.
“The increasing fear of extreme weather and reinforced variability on presidential floods, scorching heat waves, and droughts that crack the head, these are not abstract climate models.
“They are realities that translate into hunger, malnutrition, and the loss of livelihoods that sustain vulnerable communities.”
Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah (MP), Minister for Lands and Natural Resources
Africa’s Inequality and Resilience
Hon. Buah lamented how climate change has widened existing inequalities, disproportionately affecting women, children, and marginalized groups who possess the fewest resources to adapt and the least influence in policymaking.
“Climate change has exacerbated deep-seated social and economic inequalities.
“The most vulnerable among us, women, children, and the marginalized are disproportionately affected with the least resources to cope and the smallest voices in the corridors of power. Yet Africa is not a passive victim.”
Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah (MP), Minister for Lands and Natural Resources
Describing Africa as a continent of resilience and action, the Minister underscored the need for Africans to reclaim agency in shaping their future.
He emphasized that the path forward must balance the dual imperatives of energy access and environmental protection.
“We are a continent of resilience and action.
“To secure a sustainable future, we must also be architects of our destiny.”
Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah (MP), Minister for Lands and Natural Resources
Energy Dilemma and Right to Development
Turning to one of the most contentious topics at COP30, the balance between development and decarbonization, Hon. Buah highlighted the energy dilemma confronting African nations.
While energy access is fundamental to economic progress, it also remains a significant source of emissions.
He pointed out that Africa’s abundant mineral and natural resources must be strategically utilized to drive industrialization and prosperity, not restricted in the name of environmental protection.
“Our continent is blessed with mineral resources, abundance of it, which holds a promise of transformational development.
“So, to deny Africa the strategic use of these resources is to deny our right to develop, to light our homes, and to power our industries.”
Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah (MP), Minister for Lands and Natural Resources
Hon. Buah cautioned against global policies that could stifle African development under the guise of climate action, stressing that Africa’s transition to clean energy must be just, equitable, and inclusive.
“A shift to clean energy must not leave vulnerable communities behind or trade ghost towns for high-carbon industries.”
Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah (MP), Minister for Lands and Natural Resources
A Vision for Shared Prosperity
Concluding his remarks, the Minister called for the integration of technology, innovation, and artificial intelligence into Africa’s energy and environmental solutions, describing them as tools that could accelerate justice, equity, and prosperity.
“Let’s leave Belém at the heart of the Amazon with the resolve to harness not only finance, but also technology, innovation, and artificial intelligence to facilitate justice, equity, and shared prosperity.”
Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah (MP), Minister for Lands and Natural Resources
As COP30 discussions continue, Hon. Buah’s intervention reaffirms Ghana’s leadership in global climate diplomacy and its determination to champion Africa’s rightful place in the global green transition.
