EX TV GH People Matter
By: Christian Sowada
Ghana’s Hon. Seidu Issifu, Minister of State for Climate Change and Sustainability, has made a passionate plea for scaled-up and locally led adaptation efforts to address the impacts of climate change. By representing President John Dramani Mahama and joining global heads of state, development leaders at the Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) Leaders’ Dialogue during the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80), Hon. Issifu reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to scaling up climate adaptation and resilience.
Ghana’s Climate Adaptation Initiatives
The minister highlighted Ghana’s efforts to build resilience into its economy through initiatives such as the Tree Crop Diversification Project, which safeguards crop production through climate-smart seeds and sustainable land management. Also, the Scaling Up Renewable Energy Programme, which expands solar mini-grids and rooftop systems across the country.
He described the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Programme (AAAP) as a practical and urgent response to the realities faced by millions of Africans.
“Adaptation is not optional for us, it is a necessity.” He stated
Hon. Issifu further stated, “for Ghana, the AAAP is building resilience into the foundations of our economy.”
Hon. Issifu pointed out that excessive debt burdens are undermining locally led adaptation efforts, stressing the need for debt relief, climate-aligned financing, and innovative financial instruments to unlock capital for adaptation at scale.
For a call to action, Hon. Issifu urged development partners, sovereign wealth funds, and multilateral institutions to step up their support for climate adaptation efforts in vulnerable countries. He emphasized the importance of partnerships between governments, communities, and the private sector in advancing adaptation solutions.
Ghana’s Leadership on Climate Governance
Hon. Issifu’s participation at UNGA80 underscores Ghana’s rising profile as a leader in climate governance and adaptation finance. The country’s Office of the Minister of State for Climate Change and Sustainability is working to place climate action at the heart of development planning, ensuring no community is left behind.
