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Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, the Minister-Designate for Environment, Science, and Technology, has stressed the need for a diplomatic approach to ensure Ghana continues to receive international climate funding.
Speaking during his vetting before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Thursday, January 30, Murtala emphasized the importance of collaboration and strategic engagement with donor nations, particularly as uncertainties grow around global climate agreements.
Concerns Over U.S. Withdrawal from Paris Agreement
Murtala expressed concern over the United States’ withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement under former President Donald Trump, describing it as a major setback for international climate efforts. Given that the U.S. is one of the largest contributors to global climate initiatives, he warned that this decision could have far-reaching consequences.
“It is a worrying issue that the US has withdrawn from the Paris Agreement because it is the biggest funder. The lackadaisical attitude happening may allow many other countries to exit the agreement, so we need to collaborate and use diplomacy to keep benefitting from climate funding.”
Impact on Ghana’s Climate Goals
Murtala cautioned that if more countries follow the U.S. in withdrawing from the agreement, it could significantly weaken global climate action and put Ghana’s access to crucial funding at risk.
He urged Ghana to remain committed to its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)—the country’s climate action commitments under the Paris Agreement—to maintain donor support.
“Global emission is something that will not stop, and so we should continue to honour our Nationally Determined Contribution because if we don’t, we may lose out on many of the donor support.”
The Paris Climate Agreement and Ghana’s Climate Strategy
Adopted in 2015, the Paris Climate Agreement is a global treaty aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and limiting temperature rise to below 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.
The agreement provides financial and technical assistance to developing nations like Ghana, enabling them to adapt to climate change and implement sustainable environmental projects.
With increasing global uncertainty, Murtala insists that strong diplomatic engagement is key to securing Ghana’s share of international climate funding and advancing the country’s environmental agenda.