Seidu Issifu (L) with Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa during the visit
Ghana continues to strengthen its climate leadership on the African continent through deliberate diplomatic cooperation and government-wide coordination aimed at sustainability and resilience.
This commitment was reaffirmed when the Minister of State in charge of Climate Change and Sustainability, Seidu Issifu, paid a working visit to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.
The engagement forms part of a broader strategy by the newly established Office of the Minister of State in Charge of Climate Change and Sustainability (OMSCCS) to align national institutions, international missions, and development partners around Ghana’s climate priorities.
Presenting Ghana’s Climate Vision Abroad
During the meeting, Seidu Issifu outlined the vision, mandate, and evolving agenda of his office, emphasising that effective climate action requires multi-sectoral involvement, strong international engagement, and strategic partnerships.
His briefing highlighted ongoing initiatives, including:
The establishment of an Inter-Ministerial and Agency Technical Working Group, with representation from government ministries, agencies, civil society organisations (CSOs), and the private sector, to harmonise climate actions across sectors;
Plans to create a National Climate and Sustainability Hub to centralise climate data, research, financing mechanisms, and training; and
Plans to institutionalise Climate Change and Sustainability Units across public agencies to mainstream climate policy into national planning and development processes.
Issifu further underscored the strategic importance of leveraging Ghana’s diplomatic platforms, including embassies and foreign missions, to promote national climate interests and unlock new financing opportunities.
Climate Finance, Carbon Markets, and Debt Relief
A key focus of the discussions centred on financing Ghana’s green transition. The Minister of State highlighted the importance of:
Here are the areas Ghana must focus on in the fight against climate change
Carbon credit markets as emerging revenue opportunities for Ghana; and
Debt relief initiatives as a critical intervention for African economies burdened by external debt yet disproportionately impacted by climate change.
He argued that flexible financial support systems and debt forgiveness would help create the fiscal space needed to scale up climate adaptation and mitigation programmes, ultimately reshaping both economic and environmental outcomes.
Foreign Affairs Ministry Backs Climate Office
In response, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa commended Issifu for his leadership and acknowledged the President’s vision in establishing the OMSCCS. He noted that Ghana’s proactive stance has earned international recognition within the global climate space and affirmed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ readiness to support the office’s agenda.
The Foreign Affairs Minister pledged to provide the necessary technical and institutional support to strengthen Ghana’s representation in international climate negotiations and diplomatic engagements. He also acknowledged Issifu’s appointment to the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF) as a significant milestone that enhances Ghana’s credibility in climate diplomacy.
Priority Areas for Collaboration
Both ministers agreed on a structured roadmap to leverage Ghana’s embassies and diplomatic missions to amplify climate advocacy, financing, and partnerships. Priority areas identified include:
Climate diplomacy and global representation, including participation in COPs, UNFCCC sessions, and climate governance bodies;
Mobilisation of climate finance, technology, and innovation;
Capacity-building through knowledge exchange programmes with universities, diaspora networks, and international institutions;
Promotion of green investment opportunities for Ghana’s public and private sectors; and
Support for carbon markets and Article 6 cooperation under the Paris Agreement through targeted diplomatic outreach.
Strengthening Ghana’s Global Climate Influence
Expected outcomes of the strengthened partnership include increased climate finance inflows, improved preparation for major global climate engagements, more coherent national advocacy positions, and enhanced visibility for Ghana in global climate governance and sustainability discourse.
The working visit marks a pivotal step in aligning Ghana’s foreign policy with climate security and resilience, firmly embedding environmental priorities within the country’s international diplomatic agenda.
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Source:
www.ghanaweb.com