Rory Wood of the Dutch Embassy conferred with Ghana’s Minister of State for Climate Change, Seidu Issifu, to strengthen cooperation in climate action. Topics included climate adaptation for cocoa and water, coastal protection, government spending efficiency, and creating a special funding vehicle for climate projects. The meeting reaffirmed the commitment between Ghana and the Netherlands to address climate challenges collaboratively.
On March 4, 2025, Rory Wood, Senior Policy Officer for Climate, Environment, and Water from the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, met with Seidu Issifu, Ghana’s first Minister of State for Climate Change and Sustainability. The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral relations and identifying collaborative opportunities in climate action. Rory congratulated Seidu on his historic appointment, highlighting its significance in Ghana’s commitment to addressing environmental challenges.
The discussion emphasized the growing threats climate change poses to Ghana’s cocoa industry and water resources, necessitating innovative climate adaptation strategies. Rising temperatures and erratic weather patterns threaten cocoa yields and the livelihoods of many farmers. Additionally, improved water management systems are needed to ensure sustainable access to clean water for communities and industries.
Rory Wood noted, “The Netherlands is committed to working with Ghana to build climate resilience in key sectors like agriculture and water management. Through targeted support and collaboration, we can develop solutions that protect both livelihoods and ecosystems.”
Coastal erosion is another pressing issue facing Ghana, with communities along the Gulf of Guinea losing land and infrastructure. Seidu Issifu underscored the need for long-term coastal protection measures, including nature-based solutions and sustainable urban planning. The meeting also explored leveraging Dutch expertise in water engineering to bolster Ghana’s coastal protection efforts.
A significant outcome of the meeting was the recognition of the necessity for efficient government spending in climate initiatives. Seidu emphasized that transparency, accountability, and impact-driven investments are critical for successful climate adaptation and mitigation. He asserted, “Ghana is committed to leading by example in the efficient allocation of climate funds. Our goal is to ensure that every resource mobilized translates into meaningful change for our people and environment.”
To finance large-scale climate initiatives more effectively, a dedicated funding mechanism for government-led projects was proposed. This special vehicle aims to facilitate access to international financing, thus ensuring sustained investment in essential areas such as renewable energy, climate-smart agriculture, and disaster preparedness. The meeting reaffirmed the strong partnership between Ghana and the Netherlands in combating climate change and expressed optimism for future cooperation.
The courtesy visit between Rory Wood and Seidu Issifu highlights the collaborative efforts toward climate action between Ghana and the Netherlands. It underscores the need for innovative strategies in sectors like cocoa and water management, effective coastal protection, and efficient climate funding mechanisms. Both parties remain optimistic that their partnership will produce meaningful solutions for climate adaptation and resilience in Ghana.
Original Source: www.ghanaweb.com
