Enhancing climate resource mobilisation: A key strategy for addressing Ghana’s nationally determined contributions

The escalating impacts of climate change present a substantial risk to the global ecosystem and nations worldwide are compelled to enhance their commitment to environmental sustainability.

Acknowledging the urgency of the issue, countries have pledged to address climate change under the Paris Agreement, establishing specific goals through Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

A crucial element of this commitment is bolstering the mobilisation of climate resources, a strategy that transcends national borders and aligns closely with domestic development objectives.

Ghana, navigating the complex terrain of climate action, takes a leading role in addressing its NDCs, striving to mitigate climate change impacts and enhance resilience.

However, like many nations, Ghana faces challenges in fulfilling its NDCs. Climate finance is essential to support climate-related projects, encompassing adaptation and mitigation strategies.

The global community, as highlighted by the Paris Agreement, emphasises the importance of financial support to help vulnerable developing nations achieve their climate objectives.

As such, enhancing climate resource mobilisation is crucial for the effective execution of Ghana’s climate action plan.

Challenges in Enhancing Climate Resource Mobilisation in Ghana

Ghana’s NDCs outline ambitious objectives, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions, bolstering resilience, and transitioning to a low-carbon economy.

Achieving these goals heavily depends on the availability of financial resources. Ghana, like many developing nations, faces several challenges in enhancing climate resource mobilisation, such as securing funds for climate initiatives amid economic constraints and competing development priorities. Economic constraints and developmental priorities also pose significant obstacles to allocating sufficient resources for climate action.

Additionally, reliance on traditional financing sources limits the execution of transformative projects crucial for sustainable development. The nascent green finance sector in Ghana, coupled with a lack of awareness among stakeholders, further complicates progress.

Ghana’s vulnerability to climate impacts, evident in erratic weather patterns and agricultural disruptions, underscores the urgent need for financial resources.

Addressing these challenges requires comprehensive strategies to ensure a resilient and sustainable future.

Strategies to Enhance Climate Resource Mobilisation in Ghana

In its quest to enhance climate resource mobilisation and achieve its NDCs, Ghana recognises the need for substantial financial support to implement sustainable initiatives effectively.

This strategic imperative aims to harmonise environmental stewardship with socio-economic development. Among the strategies that can lead to the realisation of the country’s efforts to domestically mobilise climate finance include:

1. Strengthening domestic funding mechanisms: emphasising domestic resource mobilisation, Ghana should explore innovative financing mechanisms like green bonds, climate taxes, and earmarked funds. This would establish a reliable and consistent flow of funds dedicated to climate initiatives.

• Private sector engagement: engaging the private sector is crucial for advancing climate resource mobilisation. Investments in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and eco-friendly infrastructure can aid in achieving NDC targets while stimulating economic growth. Public-private partnerships can unlock the private sector’s potential to support Ghana’s climate agenda.

• International collaboration: Ghana should strengthen its partnerships with international partners and global climate funds like the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) to accelerate access to vital financial support for large-scale projects. Advocating for increased contributions from developed nations is also essential.

• Capacity building and knowledge transfer: developing institutional capacity and facilitating knowledge transfer are vital for effective climate resource mobilisation. Resources should be allocated to training programs and knowledge-sharing initiatives to empower local communities, government agencies, and businesses in adopting sustainable practices.

• Climate-inclusive financial policies: aligning financial policies with climate goals is imperative. Integrating climate considerations into budgeting processes and ensuring that funds allocated are disbursed is critical to projects contributing to the objectives of NDCs. This approach creates a conducive environment for sustainable investments.

Policy implications for enhancing climate resource mobilisation in Ghana

Implementing the above strategies requires a coordinated effort among government bodies, regulatory agencies, and stakeholders.

Regular reviews and adjustments are necessary to adapt to evolving challenges and opportunities in climate resource mobilisation.

By incorporating the relevant policies into the national agenda, Ghana can foster a conducive environment for sustainable development while addressing its climate commitments.

Ghana stands at the forefront of a crucial mission to enhance climate resource mobilisation.

Climate finance, as a strategic imperative, harmonises environmental stewardship with socio-economic development and the efficient utilisation of climate finance is key to pushing Ghana towards a sustainable and climate-resilient future.

The outlined following policy implications serve as a guide for various stakeholders, necessitating a collective effort and adaptability to evolving climate challenges:

1. The government should enact policies that incentivise domestic funding mechanisms such as green bonds, climate taxes, and earmarked funds. Regulations should be introduced to ensure transparency and accountability in resource allocation, while tax incentives or subsidies for businesses investing in sustainable practices should be explored to encourage active participation in climate initiatives.
2. Encourage private sector engagement in climate-related projects and supportive policy environment should be established to include creating financial incentives, simplifying regulatory processes, and providing grants or subsidies for businesses committed to sustainability. Developing clear frameworks for public-private partnerships will facilitate collaboration and shared responsibilities, ensuring a concerted effort towards achieving climate goals.
3. Enhancing policies to promote international collaboration and engagements in global climate finance mechanisms and advocating for increased contributions from developed nations to international climate funds. This would require developing clear guidelines for accessing and utilising these funds, ensuring alignment with national priorities, and establishing transparent reporting and accountability mechanisms.
4. Prioritise capacity building and knowledge transfer by implementing policies across government agencies, local communities, and businesses. This includes integrating climate education into the national curriculum to raise early awareness and expertise as well as establishing training programs, workshops, and knowledge-sharing platforms to equip stakeholders with essential skills for effective climate action.

Conclusion Enhancing climate resource mobilisation is a national obligation and a commitment to global well-being. Through a comprehensive strategy encompassing domestic innovation, private sector synergy, international collaboration, knowledge empowerment, and climate-inclusive financial policies, Ghana can lead the charge towards a sustainable and resilient future.

As outgoing President of the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF), Ghana’s inspiring example for nations worldwide has reinforced the collective resolve in the global fight against climate change.

The path forward beckons, and Ghana stands poised to make a significant impact on climate change and sustainable development.

Dennis Kwame Apreku. Email: dkapreku@gmail.com