President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has called on global leaders at COP29 to move from discussion to decisive action to address the escalating climate crisis.
Speaking at the World Climate Leaders Summit on Wednesday, November 13, President Akufo-Addo highlighted the urgent need for concrete steps to protect vulnerable populations and safeguard future generations.
Emphasizing the importance of climate action over continued dialogue, he urged, “Our children’s future hinges on our decisions; COP29 must mark a shift from words to action.” He noted that while years of global climate summits have produced discussions, the world is yet to adopt sufficiently impactful interventions.
With COP29 focused on climate financing, President Akufo-Addo underscored the responsibility of developed nations to fulfill financial commitments essential for accelerating a green transition.
Outlining Ghana’s contributions to global climate action, President Akufo-Addo pointed to the Green Ghana initiative, which has led to the planting of over 50 million trees in the past four years. He also highlighted the country’s electric vehicle policy launched last year, designed to build green infrastructure and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
In compliance with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Ghana has updated its nationally determined contributions (NDCs) to enhance adaptation and mitigation strategies. The President stated that Ghana’s goal to cut emissions by 64 million tonnes by 2030 requires a $15 billion investment, and the country has already mobilized $800 million through carbon credit trading partnerships with Sweden and Switzerland.
However, he cautioned that Ghana and other developing nations cannot achieve climate targets alone and called on developed nations to meet their financial commitments. “For Ghana, climate change is real and immediate; it affects our farmers, coastlines, and communities. Rising temperatures and unpredictable weather threaten livelihoods daily, but we respond with resilience and commitment,” he said.
President Akufo-Addo also affirmed Ghana’s solidarity with the global community in the pursuit of a greener planet, stressing the collective responsibility of nations to mitigate and adapt to climate impacts.
