EX TV GH People Matter
By: Christian SOWADA
In a significant diplomatic stride reflecting shared global environmental responsibility, Ghana’s Minister of State for Climate Change and Sustainability, Hon. Seidu Issifu, met with H.E. Tong Defa, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Ghana, on July 2, 2025, at the Chinese Embassy in Accra. This pivotal meeting is set to strengthen bilateral ties through mutual commitments to climate action, green innovation, and sustainable development.
During the engagement, the honorable minister conveyed Ghana’s steadfast dedication to fostering a climate-resilient future. He introduced the newly established Office of the Minister of State for Climate Change and Sustainability, a body created by President John Dramani Mahama, to coordinate climate initiatives across all government levels and ministries.
Hon. Issifu, outlined Ghana’s transformative climate vision, including plans for a Climate and Sustainability Hub. This hub aims to become a regional center of excellence for research, policy development, and investment facilitation. He also detailed Ghana’s ambitious solar rooftop expansion project targeting government institutions and the institutionalization of Climate and Sustainability Units within Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to bolster grassroots participation and local climate resilience.
China’s Green Development Agenda and Support for Africa
Ambassador Tong Defa expressed strong support for Ghana’s progressive agenda. He highlighted China’s strategic shift from thermal energy investments to a focus on solar, wind, and other renewable energy sources, noting the active involvement of Chinese companies like Huawei in Ghana’s solar sector. The Ambassador also shared China’s advancements in electric mobility, emissions reduction, and desertification control, emphasizing the mutual benefits of technical exchanges and training programs.
He underscored the potential of China’s robust carbon trading systems and environmental regulations as guiding frameworks for countries looking to enhance their climate governance. Ambassador Tong Defa reaffirmed China’s readiness to support African nations, including Ghana, through knowledge-sharing and capacity-building initiatives.
Bolstering Technical Exchange and Diplomatic Cooperation
The meeting further explored avenues for capacity development and institutional learning. The Chinese Ambassador extended an invitation for Ghanaian officials to participate in short-term training programs across various sectors, including climate, agriculture, and the digital economy. Minister Issifu expressed keen interest in deepening diplomatic engagements with relevant Chinese ministries and institutions to cultivate enduring partnerships.
Both parties acknowledged the importance of ongoing bilateral exchange and multilateral collaboration, warmly embracing the idea of Ghana’s participation in key climate conferences and high-level forums in China.
Proposal for a Ghana–China Climate Business Forum
Hon. Seidu Issifu proposed the establishment of a Ghana–China Climate Business Forum. This forum is envisioned as a strategic platform to attract investment and partnerships from Chinese and global private sector entities, fostering shared ventures in renewable energy, climate-smart agriculture, the circular economy, and green infrastructure.
Ambassador Tong Defa responded positively, expressing willingness to support the planning efforts and facilitate the participation of Chinese companies interested in investing in Ghana’s burgeoning green economy.
Agreed Next Steps – Toward Strategic Implementation
Training Opportunities for Ghanaian Officials: The Chinese Embassy committed to providing timely information on upcoming climate-related training programs for African countries, ensuring Ghanaian officials can benefit from relevant learning exchanges.
Submission of Strategic Proposals: The Minister’s Office will prepare a detailed proposal outlining areas for bilateral cooperation, including potential solar energy projects, institutional capacity building, and community-level initiatives under Ghana’s climate resilience program.
Planning the Ghana–China Climate Business Forum: Both sides will begin discussions to define the scope, sectors, and target participants for the proposed forum. The Embassy will assist in identifying and engaging Chinese private sector stakeholders to ensure robust representation and successful outcomes.
Facilitating High-Level Engagements: The Chinese Embassy will collaborate closely with the Minister’s Office to arrange ministerial-level engagements with China’s climate and sustainability authorities, aiming to foster high-level policy exchange and strategic alignment.
This diplomatic engagement marks a significant deepening of cooperation between Ghana and China, built on mutual respect, a shared vision, and a collective commitment to addressing the global climate emergency. It lays a robust foundation for a strategic alliance that extends beyond bilateral ties, contributing to regional resilience, sustainable investment, and South–South cooperation.
