The Minister of State for Climate Change and Sustainability, Seidu Issifu, has called for stronger Ghana-China collaboration to accelerate climate action and drive a just, inclusive green transition.
Speaking at the Ghana-China Climate Summit 2025 held at the AfCFTA Secretariat in Accra on Tuesday, September 16, Mr. Issifu described the gathering as a “decisive moment” for the two nations and the wider world, with less than five years to the 2030 Paris Agreement targets.
“Climate change is no longer a distant challenge. It is a daily reality reshaping livelihoods, disrupting ecosystems and straining our food, water and energy systems,” he said.
Mr. Issifu highlighted Ghana’s bold move to establish the Office of the Minister of State for Climate Change and Sustainability a decision by President John Dramani Mahama that he said places climate action at the heart of national governance and development.
Outlining his vision, the minister announced the creation of a Climate Change and Sustainability Hub as a center of excellence for research, policy and innovation, as well as climate units in all ministries, departments, agencies and district assemblies.
These measures, he stressed, are designed to mainstream climate action into every sector, from health and education to energy and infrastructure.
Turning to Ghana-China cooperation, Mr. Issifu proposed the establishment of a Ghana-China Climate Business Summit to complement policy dialogue with private-sector engagement.
The platform, he explained, would connect investors, entrepreneurs, and innovators from both countries to advance renewable energy, green industries, sustainable agriculture, circular economy initiatives and resilient infrastructure.
“Through such a summit, Ghana can serve as a gateway for China’s broader green engagement with Africa, while also presenting Ghana’s emerging innovations and enterprises to Chinese partners,” he said.
Mr. Issifu also backed the idea of a Ghana-China Climate Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to institutionalize collaboration under the framework of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
“Climate diplomacy must be about tangible impact — for the farmer in Bungu, the fisherman in Ada, and the trader in Accra. These citizens must feel the results of our cooperation,” he emphasized.
The summit, organized by the Africa-China Center for Policy and Advocacy, brought together Chinese government representatives, development partners, and civil society organizations to explore joint strategies for advancing renewable energy, green financing, and sustainable development.
Mr. Issifu called for unity in building a future where infrastructure is built to last, economies are green and inclusive, and people thrive in harmony with nature.
