By Joseph Bekoe
Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo delivered a strong speech at the Africa Climate Summit on Tuesday, 5th September 2023, calling for bold action to address the climate crisis.
“Climate change is a global emergency, and Ghana calls on all Parties to act with equity and a sense of responsibility,” Akufo-Addo said. “Africa, for her part, must commit herself to resolve the issue of climate change by implementing ambitious measures within her reach.”
Akufo-Addo pointed to the devastating impacts of climate change that Africa is already experiencing, including more frequent and severe droughts, floods, and heat waves. He said that these impacts are threatening food security, water security, and economic development across the continent.
“We cannot afford to wait any longer,” Akufo-Addo said. “We must act now to build a climate-resilient future for Africa.”
Akufo-Addo called for a number of specific actions to be taken, including:
- Investing in renewable energy and energy efficiency
- Reducing deforestation and promoting sustainable agriculture
- Adapting to the impacts of climate change
- Providing financial assistance to climate-vulnerable countries
He also called for the developed countries to fulfill their promise to provide $100 billion per year in climate finance to developing countries.
“We need the developed countries to step up and deliver on their promises,” Akufo-Addo said. “We cannot solve this crisis alone.”
Akufo-Addo’s speech was well-received by the other participants at the Africa Climate Summit. They acknowledged the urgency of the climate crisis and pledged to work together to address it.
The Africa Climate Summit is a key moment in the global effort to combat climate change. The summit’s outcome will be closely watched by the international community, and it is hoped that it will lead to concrete action to address the climate crisis.
In addition to his speech at the Africa Climate Summit, Akufo-Addo has also taken a number of other actions to address climate change. In 2021, he launched Ghana’s National Climate Change Adaptation Strategy and Action Plan. He has also committed to making Ghana carbon neutral by 2050.
Akufo-Addo’s leadership on climate change is an important example for other African countries. It shows that it is possible to take bold action to address the climate crisis, even in the face of significant challenges.
