By Edward Dankwah, GNA
Accra, Nov. 9, GNA – Ghana has called for increased climate adaptation financing, stronger regional cooperation and improved protection for vulnerable communities to address the growing threat of climate-induced displacement.
Mr Seidu Issifu, the Minister of State for Climate Change and Sustainability, made the call during the opening session on, “The Global Principles – From Global Consensus to Regional Priorities” at the Climate Mobility Pavilion on the sidelines of COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye.
A statement issued to the Ghana News Agency said speaking on behalf of Ghana, Mr Issifu reaffirmed the country’s endorsement of the Global Principles for Addressing Climate Mobility and commended the Global Centre for Climate Mobility (GCCM) for its leadership in advancing the initiative.
He said approximately seven million Ghanaians living along the country’s coastline faced increasing threats from rising sea levels and coastal erosion, with communities such as Keta and Fuveme already experiencing significant climate-related risks.
He added that drought and water stress continued to threaten livelihoods across the Sahel, worsening the vulnerability of communities and increasing the potential for climate-induced displacement.
Mr Issifu stressed the need to empower climate-affected communities to remain safe in their homes where possible, while ensuring that those compelled to relocate did so with dignity, adequate protection and their rights and livelihoods safeguarded.
He called for predictable and accessible adaptation financing, stronger climate-risk assessments and early-warning systems, as well as the integration of climate mobility into national adaptation plans, Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and loss-and-damage responses.
The Minister also underscored the importance of regional cooperation, particularly through the ECOWAS Protocol on Free Movement, calling for meaningful community participation in decisions affecting their future.
On Ghana’s interventions, he said the country was partnering the GCCM to undertake climate mobility assessments, conduct community consultations and develop a National Climate Mobility Blueprint to strengthen existing national policies and responses.
“Global commitments must translate into practical interventions that improve community resilience, protect human rights and expand opportunities for vulnerable populations,” he added.
Mr Issifu urged stakeholders to move beyond global consensus and endorsements to implement locally driven, adequately financed and practical solutions that addressed the realities of climate mobility.
Ghana’s participation at COP31 reflects the government’s commitment to advancing climate resilience, protecting vulnerable communities and promoting sustainable solutions to the impacts of climate change under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama.
GNA
Edited by Linda Asante Agyei