Ghana calls for increased public funding for climate action

At the opening ceremony of COP30 in Belém, Brazil, Ghana’s Minister of State for Climate Change and Sustainability, Issifu Seidu delivered a strong call for climate justice, urging world leaders to back words with action as the world marks ten years of the Paris Agreement.

Speaking when the floor was opened for national statements, the minister emphasised that developing countries, particularly in Africa, face mounting climate impacts and require scaled-up financing and technology support to implement their commitments.

He called for increased public funding for climate action — especially adaptation — and renewed attention to capacity building and technology transfer.

Describing the climate crisis as a human issue rather than a scientific abstraction, the minister said, “This is not about models, it’s about the poor and vulnerable children in Gambaga, the elderly woman in Wa, and those struggling to recover from floods in Keta and Anloga.”

He reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to the principles of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC), urging developed countries to fulfill their pledges and ensure a fair and just transition for all.

Day one of COP30 saw the adoption of key agendas and consultations by the Brazilian Presidency on contentious items including Article 9.1 on finance and the Global Goal on Adaptation.

President Lula da Silva and UNFCCC Executive Secretary Simon Stiell both called for accelerated action and stronger international cooperation to keep the 1.5°C goal alive.

Ghana’s delegation expressed readiness to work collaboratively with all parties in Belém to secure meaningful outcomes for vulnerable nations.