Report By: Ishmael Barfi
With Ghana set to lead the African Group of Negotiators on Climate Change (AGN) from 2026 to 2027, the country is expected to drive Africa’s climate agenda and advocate for the continent’s interests on the global stage.
As the incoming chair, Ghana will be instrumental in shaping the continent’s climate policies and advocating for the interests of African nations.
The country’s leadership role in AGN will be crucial in promoting climate action, addressing the challenges posed by climate change, and ensuring that Africa’s voice is heard on the global stage.
During a meeting with Ghana’s Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability, Hon. Issifu Seidu, Dr. George Wamukoya, Team Lead of the African Group of Negotiators Experts Support (AGNES), confirmed that the rotational leadership will transition from Eastern Africa to West Africa at the end of 2025, with Ghana nominated to lead the continent’s delegation in international climate negotiations.
AGNES is a not-for-profit think tank dedicated to facilitating dialogue between experts and negotiators at the international level, particularly within the framework of the UNFCCC.
The courtesy call on Hon. Issifu Seidu, following his appointment as Minister of State for Climate Change and Sustainability, welcomed him into Africa’s climate negotiation leadership.
This meeting explored areas for collaboration to advance Africa’s common interests in global climate discussions.
The focus will be on strengthening alignment and coordination between Ghana’s national actions and AGN’s continental agenda, while encouraging Ghana to maintain its advocacy on key AGN priorities such as adaptation, loss and damage, and a just transition.
Dr. Wamukoya expressed optimism about Ghana’s leadership, stating, “When we were in Bonn, it was announced within our group that West Africa had chosen Ghana to be the new chair. We are hopeful that, under the leadership of the Minister, the Ghanaian delegation will lead Africa for the next two years.”
He also announced the formation of the African Network of Parliamentarians on Climate Change, which will unite legislators and committee chairs from across the continent whose work influences climate policy.
This network aims to develop a modern climate change legal framework for Africa by bringing together representatives from various parliamentary caucuses.
Dr. Wamukoya reiterated that this framework will promote harmonized and actionable laws that enhance climate resilience, environmental governance, and sustainable development.
The initiative will specifically target countries that have yet to enact comprehensive climate legislation.
As chair of the AGN, Ghana will prioritize climate finance by mobilizing adequate funding to support climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts in Africa.
A key focus will be on achieving an ambitious New Collective Quantified Goal for climate finance and operationalizing the Global Goal on Adaptation, including financial mobilization targets to enhance Africa’s resilience and address the loss and damage caused by climate change.
This will also involve operationalizing the Loss and Damage Fund established at COP27 and COP28, in addition to promoting a just transition to low-carbon development that prioritizes sustainable development and poverty eradication in Africa.
With its experience in spearheading climate change initiatives, especially concerning Article Six, Ghana is well-positioned to lead the African Group of Negotiators and amplify Africa’s voice on climate issues at the international level.
Source: www.thenewindependentonline.com
