By James Amoh Junior, GNA
Accra, June 24, GNA – ActionAid Ghana has called for bold systemic reforms in development financing and energy policy as part of a renewed national push to secure a just and sustainable green transition for Ghana.
The call was made during a high-level civil society–government dialogue held in Accra on the theme: “Reviewing Development Financing for People and Planet: A Civil Society–Government Dialogue for Systemic Reform.”
The forum brought together stakeholders from government agencies, civil society organisations, academia, and development partners, all united in their concern over the overlapping crises of debt, climate vulnerability, and energy insecurity.
Mr John Nkaw, Country Director of ActionAid Ghana, said, “The confluence of rising debt, illicit financial flows, reduced donor support, and a narrowing fiscal space demands bold and systemic responses.”
He said, “Civil society must lead—not follow—in co-creating just and sustainable futures. This includes advocating for green energy investments, climate-smart agriculture, and a rethinking of how Ghana funds its development.”
“The energy future must belong to the people —not polluters. And climate justice begins with financing justice,” Mr Nkaw said.
Mr Denis Gyeyir of the Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI), speaking during a panel discussion, stated that Ghana required between US$9.3 billion and US$15.5 billion in climate financing between 2020 and 2030, most of which remained unfunded.
He cautioned that failure to address this gap would have serious socioeconomic consequences.
“Poor households may lose up to 40 per cent of their income by 2050 due to climate shocks. Each year, 45,000 people are affected by flooding. And Ghana’s transport sector could face a $3.9 billioninfrastructure loss over the next decade,” he said.
Dr Robert Bright Mawuko Sogbadji, Deputy Director of Power (Nuclear and Alternative Energy) at the Ministry of Energy, outlined steps being taken by the government to shift towards a greener energy model.Â
“The future of energy is green—and Ghana must lead with confidence and clarity,” he stated.
He said, “From hydrogen production to carbon credit trading, we have unique opportunities to drive inclusive growth while addressing the climate emergency.”
He disclosed that eight solar mini-grids were already operational, with 33 more expected by mid-2025.
In addition, the Renewable Energy Unit at the Energy Ministry is being upgraded into a full Directorate, and a Green Transition Fund is in the pipeline, Dr Sogbadji said. Â
The government is also promoting clean transport options through the removal of import duties on electric vehicles and compressed natural gas vehicles.
Mr Wilberforce Laate of the Centre for Indigenous Knowledge and Organisational Development (CIKOD), speaking in the area of food systems, called for a move away from synthetic fertilisers and hybrid seeds, advocating instead for agroecology.
“Agroecology is a debt-free, climate-resilient alternative that puts farmers back in control. It builds soil health, protects biodiversity, and supports local economies — without increasing our national debt,” he said.
Currently, agriculture receives only 7 per cent of Ghana’s national budget, falling short of the African Union’s CAADP target of 10 per cent.
Other innovative proposals discussed included diaspora bonds, blended finance, and social impact investing as alternatives to unsustainable borrowing.
Mr Charles Vandyck of the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) emphasised the need for creative financing models.
“We must diversify how we finance our future—creatively, equitably, and accountably,” he said.
The stakeholders, recognising a widening climate financing gap during the panel discussions, called for the scaling up of investment in green energy and agroecology, closing the climate financing gap, and empowering local communities with green skills and inclusive policies.
GNA
Edited by Christian Akorlie