UNOAU Commends Ghana’s Climate Leadership in Africa

Addis ababa: The United Nations Office to the African Union (UNOAU) has commended Ghana for leading carbon market initiatives in Africa and assuming the chairmanship of the African Group of Negotiators (AGN) on Climate Change. Ghana has advanced the operationalisation of carbon market mechanisms under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, positioning itself as a continental example in leveraging climate finance while maintaining environmental integrity. According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Parfait Onanga-Anyanga, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General to the African Union and Head of UNOAU, made the commendation during a working visit by Nana Dr. Antwi-Boasiako Amoah, AGN Chair under the UNFCCC, and his team. The meeting took place on the margins of the 39th Ordinary Session of the African Union Assembly of Heads of State and Government at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. 'Ghana is demonstrating that carbon markets, when structured transparently and responsibly, can serve as an important tool for sustainable development and resilience-building across Africa,' Mr. Onanga-Anyanga said. He described the country's leadership as 'timely and strategic,' particularly as African countries intensify efforts to address climate change impacts on peace, security, and sustainable development. Mr. Onanga-Anyanga said that Ghana's role as AGN Chair placed it at the centre of shaping Africa's voice in global climate diplomacy at a critical time, as the continent seeks increased climate finance, adaptation support, and loss-and-damage funding. 'Climate change has become a significant driver of instability in many parts of Africa, affecting livelihoods, food security, and migration patterns,' he said. Mr. Onanga-Anyanga stressed the need for stronger global commitments to reduce emissions and close financing gaps. 'For Africa, climate change is not an abstract environmental issue. It is directly linked to peace and security. Ghana's leadership in carbon markets and negotiations strengthens the continent's ca pacity to respond collectively,' he said. Mr. Onanga-Anyanga reaffirmed the UN's commitment to work with the African Union and member states, including Ghana, to integrate climate considerations into peacebuilding, political affairs, and development programming. He emphasised that African countries must continue to lead, while developed nations must honour their commitments on climate finance and emissions reduction. Commenting on Ghana's role, Nana Dr. Antwi-Boasiako Amoah said Africa must remain united and strategic in advancing its climate priorities. He explained that the continent's negotiating position would focus on scaling up adaptation finance, operationalising the Loss and Damage Fund, ensuring fair access to carbon markets, and securing predictable climate finance flows. 'Africa contributes the least to global emissions yet bears a disproportionate share of climate impacts. Our priority is to ensure that climate justice, equity, and ambition remain central in global negotiations,' he said. Dr. A moah noted that Ghana's experience in developing regulatory frameworks for carbon market transactions under Article 6 offered practical lessons for other African countries seeking climate investment while safeguarding national interests. He stressed that as AGN Chair, Ghana would collaborate with member states, technical experts, and regional blocs to strengthen Africa's bargaining power and ensure UNFCCC outcomes reflect the continent's development aspirations.