Ghana unveils $20bn plan to strengthen climate adaptation
Ghana has officially launched its National Adaptation Plan (NAP), a key step in the country’s efforts to address the impacts of climate change and enhance resilience across communities, infrastructure, and ecosystems.
Developed by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) under the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology, the NAP was created with support from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) as the delivery partner.
The process began in 2017 and was formally launched in June 2020, undergoing extensive technical and governance reviews.
The launch in Accra brought together stakeholders from the private sector, civil society, youth groups, financial institutions, donor partners, and NGOs to introduce the NAP’s policy priorities, implementation pathways, and financing outlook. The event also highlighted sector readiness and local adaptation integration.
Nana Dr. Antwi Boasiako Amoah, Coordinator of the NAP and Director in charge of Climate Vulnerability and Adaptation at EPA, explained that the plan provides a strategic framework to guide national and sectoral adaptation priorities, strengthen long-term planning, and advance coordinated action on climate risks.
“It builds on Ghana’s national commitments, aligns with the Paris Agreement, and reflects extensive stakeholder engagement at national and subnational levels,” Dr. Amoah said.
He added that the NAP’s preparation involved detailed climate hazard, risk, and vulnerability analyses, gender engagement strategies, economic analysis of adaptation options, and private sector engagement strategies.
Other achievements included the development of a youth engagement strategy, the establishment of a vulnerability portal, robust monitoring, evaluation, and learning systems, identification of financial mobilization and innovative models, and a policy coherence review for climate change adaptation mainstreaming.
The NAP contains sector- and district-specific adaptation action plans and associated assessments to guide Ghana’s climate adaptation efforts. Dr. Amoah noted that implementation had already begun in several areas.
He emphasized the need to mobilize over $20 billion between 2025 and 2030 to address core adaptation priorities, calling for support from domestic and international sources, including bilateral and multilateral partners and philanthropic organizations.
He stressed the importance of raising awareness on climate change adaptation among all Ghanaians, including traditional leaders, to mitigate risks and strengthen resilience. Funding will be directed toward agriculture, water infrastructure, health, ecosystems, disaster risk management, and urban resilience.
Professor Nana Ama Browne Klutse, Executive Director of EPA, said the NAP was the result of sustained collaboration among institutions, experts, and communities. She described it as a national framework to build inclusive, evidence-based resilience across private sector actors and district assemblies.
“The NAP represents a strategic and coordinated response to Ghana’s evolving climate risks. It is our commitment as a country to protect people and nature and ensure that no Ghanaian is left behind,” Prof. Klutse said. She called for partnerships among government agencies, local authorities, development partners, CSOs, the private sector, media, and communities to achieve a climate-resilient Ghana.
In an address read on behalf of the Acting Minister of Environment, Science and Technology, Madam Suweibatu Adam, Chief Director of the Ministry, described the NAP as Ghana’s most comprehensive documentation of actions and plans to tackle climate change. She thanked all contributors to the process and urged their continued involvement in implementation.
The launch also provided a platform for partners to explore collaboration, investment, and next steps for implementing the NAP across the country.
Source: GNA