President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has called on world leaders at the ongoing Conference of Parties(COP29) summit in Azerbaijan to move beyond rhetoric and take decisive action against the global climate crisis.
Speaking at the World Climate Leaders Summit’s official opening on Wednesday, November 13, President Akufo-Addo emphasized that the escalating impact of climate change, particularly on vulnerable populations, demands urgent and concrete efforts to safeguard present and future generations.
Despite years of discussions at these global gatherings, he expressed concern that the world still lacks effective, actionable solutions to address climate challenges.
“We are not here merely as individuals or policymakers,” he stated, “but as people united by a shared commitment to protect our land and environment. It’s time to prove that commitment with real, tangible actions.”
“Our children’s future hinges on our decisions, so COP29 must be a shift from dialogue to action,” he stressed.
With COP29 prioritizing climate financing, he also called on developed nations to fulfil their financial commitments to accelerate the global green transition, emphasizing that adequate funding is crucial for developing countries like Ghana to achieve their climate goals.
To support these climate goals, the President indicated that Ghana has already mobilized $800 million through carbon credit trading agreements with Sweden and Switzerland, demonstrating the country’s commitment to innovative financing mechanisms for climate action.
Highlighting Ghana’s commitment to climate action, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo informed the international community at COP29 that his government’s Green Ghana initiative had planted over 50 million trees within just four years.
President Akufo-Addo also noted that the launch of the Electric Vehicles (EV) Policy last year positions Ghana to build the necessary infrastructure for green transportation, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and cutting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.