By Edward Dankwah, GNA
Accra, Oct. 30, GNA – Ghana has adopted a National Communiqué outlining shared priorities for strengthening climate and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) policies and regulations, following a national summit in Accra.
A statement issued to the Ghana News Agency, said the Communiqué, signed at the close of the Ghana National Climate and ESG Policy Summit 2026, was expected to guide government institutions, regulators, financial institutions, businesses and local authorities in implementing coordinated climate and sustainability policies.
It added that the Summit, held under the theme, “Decoding Policy and Regulation for the Next Economy,” was convened by the Office of the Minister of State for Climate Change and Sustainability in collaboration with Intelligence Nature International (INI).
It said Mr Seidu Issifu, Minister of State for Climate Change and Sustainability, presided over the signing, while Mr Mahama Ayariga, Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, co-signed the document.
“The Association of Ghana Industries and the National Association of Local Authorities of Ghana signed as witnesses,” the statement stressed.
The statement said the Communiqué outlined three major resolutions aimed at integrating climate and ESG considerations into national development and economic activities.
It said the first called for Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to incorporate climate and ESG considerations into their planning, budgeting and coordination processes, supported by sustained investment in their institutional capacity.
The statement said the second resolution advocated a clear and phased timetable for climate and ESG disclosures, improved transparency and accountability in the carbon market, and the mobilisation of blended finance to support bankable climate projects.
“The third calls for a coordinated national response to emerging global market standards, including the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), clearer green taxes, fees and levies, and the strategic use of trade policies, particularly the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), to position Ghanaian businesses to benefit from opportunities in green trade,” it added.
Mr Issifu said the adoption of the Communiqué demonstrated a shared commitment among government, regulators, local authorities, financial institutions and businesses to pursue a common direction for climate and ESG policy.
“Today, government, regulators, our Assemblies, the financial sector and business have agreed a common direction for climate and ESG policy in Ghana. Our task now is to deliver it, institution by institution, and to report back on progress,” he said.
Dr William K. Bannerman, the Chief Executive Officer of Intelligence Nature International, said the Communiqué would help transform the growing range of climate regulations into agreed national priorities for coordinated implementation.
He said the next phase would focus on implementation, with stakeholders expected to account for progress at the next edition of the Summit.
Dr Bannerman noted that climate and ESG regulations were emerging simultaneously, making it necessary for institutions to work together to ensure a coordinated national approach.
He said the Communiqué was expected to be transmitted to relevant Ministries, Departments, Agencies and Assemblies, with progress on its implementation to be reviewed at the next Summit.
The Ghana National Climate and ESG Policy Summit serves as a national platform for institutions responsible for developing climate and ESG regulations, and the businesses and organisations required to comply with them.
The 2026 edition brought together about 200 senior delegates, including policymakers, regulators, financial institutions, businesses and development partners.
Intelligence Nature International is a climate, sustainability and ESG advisory and convening organisation with international partnerships and projects across Africa.
The full text of the Communiqué is available at summit2026.intelligencenature.com.
GNA
Edited by Benjamin Mensah