Accra:Ghana has urged African leaders to transform the continent's collective climate stance into increased negotiating power, investment, and actions that enhance the lives of its people.
According to Ghana Web, Minister of State for Climate Change and Sustainability, Seidu Issifu, representing President John Dramani Mahama, spoke at the Extraordinary Meeting of the Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change. He emphasized the importance of entering global climate negotiations with a united front and a clear mandate.
Issifu highlighted the need for COP31 to produce tangible results in adaptation, loss and damage, and climate finance. He stressed that these discussions could significantly impact farmers' resilience to drought, the survival of coastal communities amid flooding, and the availability of dignified green jobs for young Africans.
He advocated for climate finance that is accessible, predictable, and concessional, aligning with national priorities without exacerbating debt. Issifu called for a stronger African stance that links these demands with investments in renewable energy, resilient infrastructure, and green industries.
The Minister also challenged the narrative of Africa as merely climate-vulnerable, pointing to its rich renewable energy resources, strategic minerals, forests, agricultural potential, and young population. He argued that with these assets, Africa can develop competitive low-carbon economies.
On carbon markets, Issifu urged for systems that ensure environmental integrity while providing fair returns to African nations and communities. He stated that carbon finance should bolster national capabilities and support investments in forests, clean energy, sustainable transport, and climate-smart agriculture.
Issifu concluded by encouraging leaders to leave with a unified political mandate for COP31 and to demonstrate progress by COP32, with investments mobilized, resilience strengthened, industries transformed, and opportunities created for Africans. He asserted that Africa approaches the global climate discussions with assets, solutions, markets, and ambitions for investment and delivery.