Accra: ActionAid Ghana has called for bold systemic reforms in development financing and energy policy as part of a renewed national push to secure a just and sustainable green transition for Ghana. The call was made during a high-level civil society-government dialogue held in Accra on the theme: 'Reviewing Development Financing for People and Planet: A Civil Society-Government Dialogue for Systemic Reform.'
According to Ghana News Agency, the forum brought together stakeholders from government agencies, civil society organisations, academia, and development partners, all united in their concern over the overlapping crises of debt, climate vulnerability, and energy insecurity. Mr John Nkaw, Country Director of ActionAid Ghana, emphasized the need for civil society to lead in co-creating just and sustainable futures, including advocating for green energy investments and climate-smart agriculture.
Mr Denis Gyeyir of the Natural Resource Governance Institute highlighted the financial needs for climate financing, cautioning that failure to address this gap would have serious socioeconomic consequences, such as income losses for poor households and infrastructure damages in the transport sector.
Dr Robert Bright Mawuko Sogbadji from the Ministry of Energy outlined government initiatives towards a greener energy model, including operational solar mini-grids and plans for a Green Transition Fund. The government is also promoting clean transport options by removing import duties on electric vehicles.
Mr Wilberforce Laate of CIKOD advocated for agroecology as an alternative to synthetic fertilizers and hybrid seeds, emphasizing its benefits for soil health and local economies. The discussions also included innovative financing proposals like diaspora bonds and social impact investing.
Mr Charles Vandyck of WACSI stressed the importance of diversifying financing models to creatively and equitably support the country's future. The stakeholders called for increased investment in green energy and agroecology, addressing the climate financing gap, and empowering local communities with green skills and policies.
