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President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo called on global leaders at COP29 in Azerbaijan to move beyond discussion and take concrete action against the climate crisis. Addressing the World Climate Leaders Summit on November 13, he emphasized that the worsening effects of climate change on vulnerable communities demand unified and urgent action to secure the future for coming generations.
“We gather here not only as policymakers but as custodians of our environment,” he said, urging COP29 to represent a shift from dialogue to concrete steps toward climate action.
Focus on Climate Financing
With COP29 spotlighting climate financing, President Akufo-Addo called on developed nations to make robust financial commitments to accelerate the green transition. He highlighted Ghana’s own climate initiatives, such as the Green Ghana project, which saw over 50 million trees planted in four years. Additionally, the country launched an electric vehicle policy, aiming to reduce dependency on fossil fuels and cut greenhouse gas emissions.
President Akufo-Addo also noted Ghana’s submission of 47 nationally determined contributions (NDCs) to the UN, targeting a reduction of emissions by 64 million tonnes by 2030, requiring a $15 billion investment. Through carbon credit trading with Sweden and Switzerland, Ghana has already raised $800 million, yet he stressed that developing nations need further support from wealthier countries to achieve their climate goals.
Impacts of Climate Change in Ghana
Highlighting the immediate effects of climate change on Ghana’s agriculture, coastlines, and communities, President Akufo-Addo expressed the country’s commitment to resilience and adaptation.
“Rising temperatures and unpredictable weather threaten our livelihoods daily,” he said, emphasizing Ghana’s stance on climate action in solidarity with the global community.
Azerbaijan’s Renewable Energy Appeal
President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan underscored the need for a gradual transition to renewable energy, particularly solar and wind, while cautioning against prematurely abandoning oil and gas resources. He defended Azerbaijan’s hosting of COP29 amidst criticism from Western media and state-backed activists, pointing out that the conference welcomed over 72,000 participants from 196 countries, including 80 world leaders.
President Akufo-Addo concluded by reaffirming Ghana’s commitment to a greener future, calling for collaborative global action to combat the climate crisis.
