Seidu Issifu, Minister of State in charge of Climate Change and Sustainability represented Ghana
On Monday, January 26, 2026, African leaders met both virtually and in person in Nairobi for a Special Africa Leaders’ Meeting on Climate Adaptation, chaired by President William Ruto of Kenya, who also serves as Chair of the Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change (CAHOSCC).
The meeting focused on repositioning climate adaptation as a key growth opportunity for Africa rather than a burden. Leaders discussed the urgent impacts of climate change across the continent, including droughts, floods, rising temperatures, and food insecurity, which threaten development gains.
Representing Ghana, Seidu Issifu, Minister of State in charge of Climate Change and Sustainability, emphasised that adaptation is an investment in growth, stability, and prosperity.
The gathering included African heads of state, government ministers, and representatives from international organisations and donor partners, including the International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Trade Organization (WTO), Gates Foundation, the African Union Commission, African Development Bank, and the Global Center on Adaptation.
Delegates also highlighted the role of cities and local governments in climate solutions, with the Mayor of Rotterdam in attendance.
A key focus of the discussions was the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program 2.0 (AAAP 2.0), which aims to mobilize large-scale public and private investment in climate-resilient agriculture, infrastructure, water systems, early warning services, and green jobs across the continent.
For Ghana, climate resilience initiatives are already underway, including investments in renewable energy, solar and hydro power, climate-smart agriculture, and sustainable industrialization through the country’s 24-hour economy policy.
Speakers stressed the need for fair and accessible climate finance for African countries, noting that Africa contributes less than four percent of global emissions but is disproportionately affected by climate change. Delegates called for grants, concessional financing, technology transfer, and market access to enable sustainable resilience.
The Nairobi meeting concluded with three clear priorities: turn pledges into actionable projects, align development finance with adaptation goals, and present a unified African voice in global negotiations.
The outcome signals a renewed commitment by African leaders and international partners to mobilise resources, strengthen partnerships, and implement solutions that protect livelihoods and drive sustainable growth.
Source:
www.ghanaweb.com