Almost a decade after signing the Paris Agreement in 2015, Ghana’s progress toward fulfilling its climate pledges remains mixed. While the country has made notable efforts in drafting policies and initiating climate adaptation projects, critical gaps persist in implementation, transparency, and financial mobilization, raising concerns about the country’s ability to meet its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
Failure to Meet Emission Reduction Targets (Article 4)
Under Article 4 of the Paris Agreement, Ghana committed to reducing its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 15% unconditionally and up to 45% with international support by 2030. However, reports indicate that Ghana’s emissions from deforestation, industrial activities, and energy production continue to rise. Despite ambitious targets, enforcement mechanisms remain weak, with illegal logging and mining (galamsey) contributing significantly to deforestation and increased carbon emissions.
Lack of a Clear Climate Finance Strategy (Article 9)
Article 9 of the Paris Agreement emphasizes financial support from developed countries to assist developing nations in climate action. Ghana has yet to fully tap into global climate finance opportunities, and concerns remain over the effective utilization of funds received. The country has struggled to mobilize adequate domestic and international resources to finance mitigation and adaptation projects, slowing down critical interventions in renewable energy expansion and climate-smart agriculture.
Inadequate Transparency and Reporting (Article 13)
Article 13 mandates countries to provide regular and transparent updates on their climate actions. Ghana has faced challenges in establishing a robust monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) system. Inconsistencies in climate data, delays in reporting emissions, and limited institutional capacity have hampered efforts to track progress accurately. Without credible data, assessing the effectiveness of climate policies becomes difficult, raising concerns about accountability.
Limited Progress in Adaptation Measures (Article 7)
Ghana is highly vulnerable to climate change, particularly in the agriculture and water sectors. Under Article 7, the Paris Agreement stresses the importance of adaptation strategies. However, implementation gaps persist in climate-resilient farming, flood prevention, and drought mitigation. Many communities continue to suffer from erratic rainfall patterns and prolonged dry spells, with limited government intervention to support climate adaptation at the grassroots level.
Presidential Commitment and New Climate Initiatives
In his recent State of the Nation Address, President John Mahama reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to the Paris Agreement by announcing the authorization of three projects aimed at reducing 5.2 million tonnes of carbon emissions. He also highlighted the allocation of 24 million metric tonnes of Ghana’s carbon budget for authorization under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. Additionally, the President introduced initiatives such as the ‘Tree for Life’ restoration policy and the Blue Water Initiative, targeting the establishment of 20,000 hectares of new plantations annually to combat deforestation and promote ecological recovery. These measures underscore the administration’s dedication to aligning national policies with global climate goals, including limiting global warming to 1.5°C by 2050 and facilitating a just transition to renewable energy sources.
Way Forward
Despite the President’s recent commitments, challenges persist in areas such as enforcement of emission reduction policies, transparency mechanisms, and effective mobilization of climate finance. Addressing these issues is crucial for Ghana to fully realize its climate objectives and uphold its international obligations under the Paris Agreement. To bridge these gaps, Ghana must strengthen its enforcement of emission reduction policies, enhance transparency mechanisms, and aggressively pursue climate finance opportunities. Additionally, ensuring that adaptation projects directly benefit vulnerable communities is crucial to achieving long-term climate resilience.
As the global climate crisis intensifies, Ghana’s ability to meet its Paris Agreement commitments will determine its environmental sustainability and credibility on the international stage. The time for bold action is now.
