Climate Change Minister Pushes for Equitable Climate Finance at COP31 Negotiations
The Minister of State for Climate Change and Sustainability, Mr Seidu Issifu, has called for equitable access to climate finance and stronger international cooperation to help developing countries address the growing impacts of climate change.
He made the call during a bilateral meeting with Australia’s Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Mr Chris Bowen, who is serving as President of Negotiations for COP31, in Antalya, Türkiye.
Mr Issifu stressed the need for international climate commitments to translate into practical interventions, particularly for vulnerable communities facing extreme weather events, environmental degradation and other climate-related challenges.
He said developing countries required adequate financial and technical assistance to implement their climate commitments while sustaining economic growth and improving the livelihoods of their populations.
The Minister identified climate adaptation, mitigation, technology transfer and capacity-building as critical areas requiring stronger global cooperation.
He further emphasised the importance of an inclusive and transparent negotiating process that takes into account the different national circumstances and development needs of countries.
For Ghana, he said, ensuring that Africa’s priorities and the concerns of climate-vulnerable nations received adequate attention was essential to achieving a fair and balanced global climate agreement.
Mr Issifu’s engagement with the COP31 negotiations leadership forms part of Ghana’s broader efforts to ensure that its national climate priorities are reflected in international decisions and agreements.
The Minister reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to constructive international engagement and collaboration towards ambitious and practical outcomes that respond to the needs of developing and climate-vulnerable countries.
The discussions also explored opportunities to strengthen diplomatic cooperation and advance the objectives of the Paris Agreement, particularly in areas relating to climate finance, resilience and sustainable development.
Judith Twumwaa, ISD
