Ghana’s Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has called on world leaders to rally behind Ghana and Africa in achieving clean and sustainable energy across the globe.
Speaking on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama at a high-level summit of world leaders at this year’s COP30 in Brazil, he emphasized that Africa has the capacity to influence the world’s energy landscape due to its vast natural resources.
According to him, the continent is endowed with abundant solar, wind, and hydropower potential that can be effectively harnessed to address the global climate crisis.
As leader of Ghana’s delegation, he therefore urged the hundreds of world leaders present to tap into Africa’s natural endowments to drive the necessary transformation in the world’s energy and climate situations.
“The African position is clear. We are not asking for charity. We are asking for partnership in the truest sense,” the Minister stated.
“We stand ready to be a powerhouse of green energy for the world. But we cannot do it alone. Therefore, on behalf of a continent poised at a pivotal moment in history, I call upon this assembly and our developed partners around the world: We urge you to match our ambition with your action,” Ghana’s Lands and Acting Environment Minister stressed.
Minister Buah also noted that, now more than ever, there is a crucial need for world leaders to walk the talk on global climate financing.
He said this would go a long way toward preserving the environment and reducing the adverse impacts of climate change worldwide.
“The climate finance promised for so long must now flow — not just in words, but in predictable, concessional, and private-sector-leveraged investments that reach the communities who need them most,” the Minister stated.
“We need increased ambition for climate finance, with a significant portion dedicated to adaptation and recognition of Africa’s special circumstances,” Armah-Kofi Buah emphasized.
In his concluding remarks, he reiterated Ghana’s readiness to be a key player in addressing the climate challenge and called for stronger collaboration and partnerships.
“Let us leave Belém with a resolve to harness not only finance, but also technology, innovation, and artificial intelligence to accelerate justice, equity, and shared prosperity.
From the Volta to the Western shores, Ghana stands ready to power Africa’s clean future,” the Minister concluded.
COP30 is the world’s largest climate conference, convening global leaders in Belém, Brazil, to accelerate efforts to cut emissions, scale up climate finance, and support countries most affected by climate impacts.
The summit serves as a key milestone in advancing the goals of the Paris Agreement.
Ghana is currently being represented by accredited delegates and individuals in Belém, located in Brazil’s northern region.
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