LocationsGhana Begins Review of Climate Plans for Greater Resilience
July 10, 2024
Stakeholders during the launch of the review of the 2021 NDC process.
Ghana through the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI) in collaboration with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has commenced processes to revise the 2021 Climate Action Plan to build resilience and reduce the impact of climate change in diverse sectors.
The review of the climate action plans, known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), aligns with the Paris Agreement, aims to build on the current document (NDCs 2.0) and revise the existing targets to 2035.
Hon. Ophelia Mensah Hayford, Minister of Environment, Science, Technology & Innovation, emphasized the importance of the revised climate plan in supporting Ghana's sustainable development goals. She stated that 'the revised climate plan will provide a solid foundation for Ghana's ambitious efforts to achieve low-carbon growth, enhance climate resilience, and drive sustainable development in the long term.'
Hon. Ophelia Mensah Hayford, Minister of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, giving a presentation at the launch of the NDC
Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the UN Resident Coordinator, H.E. Charles Abani, Peter Aidoo emphasized the UN's strong support for Ghana's climate initiatives. He commended Ghana's leadership in climate action and reiterated the UN's commitment to assisting Ghana through the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and the Climate Promise initiative.
"On behalf of the United Nations Development System, I am honored to witness the launch of the revision process for Ghana's NDCs under the Paris Agreement," said Aidoo. "This revision is an opportunity to build on Ghana's leadership in climate action, refine strategies, and integrate emerging policies for a low-carbon, climate-resilient future." He stated.
UNDP's Climate Promise initiative has supported 85% of developing countries in their initial NDC submissions and is engaged in NDC implementation in nearly 150 countries. In Ghana, UNDP is providing technical assistance to review and enhance the country's NDCs, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNDP’s Resident Representative A.I, Sukhrob Khoshmukhamedov noted that
"Ghana's climate-related losses are 2.6% of GDP annually. This revision process offers a chance to ensure a just transition that protects the environment and promotes inclusive economic growth for all." He noted.
UNDP’s Resident Representative a.i., Sukhrob Khoshmukhamedov, delivering his remarks at the launch of the NDC review in Ghana.
The nine-month review process will result in a finalized document submitted to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Ghana has made significant progress in implementing its current NDCs, achieving a 43.4% decline in greenhouse gas emissions relative to 2021 total national emissions.
The UN stands firmly behind Ghana, dedicated to supporting its goals through our cooperation framework. We will work together to ensure an inclusive and robust revision process.
UNDP's support demonstrates its commitment to helping countries achieve their climate goals and promoting sustainable development.
Group photo of participants at the inception meeting for the NDC review process.
Related
content
content
