Accra: Professor Ananth V. Iyer, the Dean of the University of Buffalo, New York City, recently visited Mr. Issifu Seidu, the Minister of State for Climate Change and Sustainability in Accra, to discuss potential collaborative efforts between Ghana and the University in advancing climate action. The discussions focused on identifying areas of partnership in climate research and sustainable development initiatives that align with Ghana’s climate agenda.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Seidu outlined Ghana’s climate vision and potential areas of collaboration with the University. He mentioned that the Office of the Minister of State for Climate Change and Sustainability was created by President John Dramani Mahama to coordinate climate action across all governmental and private sector entities in Ghana. The newly established Climate Change Office has formed a technical working committee with representatives from all ministries to streamline climate initiatives.
Mr. Seidu highlighted Ghana’s energy transition agenda, which includes plans to expand solar rooftop installations in government institutions to mitigate energy sector debt. He also announced the intention to create a Climate and Sustainability Hub, serving as a centralized resource for data, research, financing, and capacity building. The Office aims to establish Climate and Sustainability Units within local government structures to engage communities directly in climate-related activities, with a focus on local climate change adaptation through internal funding.
The Minister emphasized the importance of leveraging both private sector and government institutions to combat climate change in Ghana and other developing nations. The impact of climate change in African countries, particularly Ghana, includes floods, droughts, loss of livelihoods, and destruction of farmlands, which exacerbate poverty and challenge economic development.
Professor Iyer highlighted the University of Buffalo’s commitment to climate action through reducing greenhouse gas emissions and encouraging innovation in creating durable, repairable, and recyclable products. He stated that the US Government is ready to provide technical assistance for Ghana’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, as well as financial support for establishing the Climate and Sustainability Hub in Ghana.
Both parties agreed that deeper diplomatic engagement and participation in key climate-related conferences in New York would enhance cooperation, with Professor Iyer commending the Ghanaian Government for establishing the Office of the Minister of State for Climate Change and Sustainability.