By Elsie Appiah-Osei
Accra, July 9, GNA – Alhaji Baba Seidu Issifu, Minister of State for Climate Change and Sustainability, has told Parliament’s Government Assurances Committee that Ghana is aligning its national policies with the global goal of limiting warming to 1.5°C by 2050.
He said the commitment is in line with President John Dramani Mahama’s pledge in the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA).
Appearing before the Committee during a public hearing at Parliament House on Thursday, the Minister said the President’s commitment was anchored in Article 2 of the Paris Agreement and reaffirmed Ghana’s resolve to pursue a fair and just transition to renewable energy sources.
In his 2025 SONA, President Mahama stated: “Mr. Speaker, we also pledge to align our national policies with international efforts to limit global warming to 1.5°C by 2050 and to promote a fair and just transition to renewable energy sources.”
Responding to questions from the Committee, Alhaji Issifu explained that the President’s statement reflected Ghana’s commitment to the global climate agenda.
“Mr. Chairman, this particular quote was taken from Article 2 of the Paris Agreement, which is a global agreement… That was just information that the President gave out to confirm that Ghana is aligned to the global effort,” he said.
The Minister stressed that scientific evidence indicates the world is nearing the critical 1.5°C temperature threshold established under the Paris Agreement.
“Mr. Chairman, the global scientific consensus is becoming increasingly clear. The world is dangerously close to exceeding the 1.5°C temperature threshold established under the Paris Agreement. Current trends indicate that global emission reductions have not occurred at the pace or at the scale required to keep within the target,” he said.
He added that, in recognition of the growing concern, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is expected to publish a major report in June 2026 assessing the implications of surpassing the 1.5°C threshold.
The Minister reiterated that global emissions are not declining quickly enough to meet the Paris Agreement target, underscoring the need for accelerated action at both national and international levels.
GNA
Edited by Audrey Dekalu
Reporter: Elsie Appiah-Osei
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