Emmanuel Ameyaw
The Minister of State for Climate Change and Sustainability, Hon. Issifu Seidu, has announced the government’s plan to establish a National Climate Change and Sustainability Hub, a landmark initiative aimed at coordinating research, innovation, and cross-sectoral collaboration for effective climate action.
Speaking as Guest of Honour at the Africa Climate Dialogue in Accra, Hon. Seidu described the Hub as a “centre of excellence dedicated to driving policy innovation, capacity building, and knowledge exchange.” The facility, he explained, will serve as a national platform to connect science, policy, and practice, ensuring evidence-based decision-making and measurable climate outcomes.
“The Hub will bridge the gap between research and implementation, ensuring that data, policy, and investments work together to deliver sustainable and inclusive results,” Hon. Seidu stated.
The Minister also disclosed plans to institutionalize Climate Change and Sustainability Units across all Ministries, Departments, and local government structures, a move he said will mainstream climate considerations into every level of national governance.
“By embedding climate leadership across public institutions, we foster a whole-of-government approach that delivers coherent and accountable outcomes,” he added.
Board Chair of the Africa Centre for Nature-Based Climate Action (AC4NCA), Rev. Dr. Joyce R. Aryee, in her welcome remarks, applauded the government’s commitment and called for stronger collaboration across sectors to advance Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) in Africa.
“Nature-based solutions are the most cost-effective and practical pathway to environmental protection, social and economic progress,” Rev. Aryee said. “By valuing and investing in nature, we secure not only our environment but also our future prosperity.”
Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission, Dr. Hugh Brown, also addressed the Dialogue, stressing that illegal mining and logging remain the biggest threats to Ghana’s forest reserves. He underscored the need for sustainable financing and stronger multi-sector collaboration to scale up Nature-Based Solutions, calling for the integration of mechanisms such as Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) into national policy.
“Deployment of Nature-Based Solutions is a vital pathway to achieving Ghana’s sustainable development goals,” Dr. Brown said, urging collective action to protect Ghana’s forests and sustain the country’s progress toward a green and resilient future.
The Africa Climate Dialogue, hosted by the Africa Centre for Nature-Based Climate Action under the theme “Harnessing Nature-Based Solutions: A Pathway to Sustainable National Development,” brought together government officials, diplomats, academics, civil society, and private sector leaders to discuss practical ways of integrating nature-based solutions into Africa’s climate and development agenda.
With the announcement of the Climate Change and Sustainability Hub, Ghana positions itself at the forefront of Africa’s efforts to build climate resilience and foster green economic transformation.
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