Empowering Change: Ghana’s Bold Steps in Updating Its Climate Commitments – Latest Insights from EnviroNews on NDCs and Renewable Energy

In 2016, Ghana was among seven African countries to submit its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) following the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. This global pact aims to combat climate change by mandating each of its 195 member countries to enhance their NDCs every five years. Ghana’s latest commitment, NDC 2.0, presents ambitious action plans for the years 2021 to 2030.

What is NDC 2.0?

In its NDC 2.0, Ghana committed to 47 key actions—34 aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and 13 focused on adaptation strategies. These actions target various sectors like energy, agriculture, transport, and forestry. By executing these plans, Ghana expects to cut down around 64 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2030.

Beyond just numbers, these actions provide significant health and economic benefits. For instance, the NDCs could prevent about 2,900 premature deaths each year due to air pollution and create over a million green jobs, particularly for women and youth. However, achieving these goals will require between $9.3 billion and $15.5 billion, making it essential to mobilize both domestic and international funding.

Moving Towards NDC 3.0

Currently, Ghana is preparing for its next climate action plan, referred to as NDC 3.0. In May 2025, a comprehensive assessment began, led by the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology. As part of this review, stakeholders, including civil society organizations and climate experts, gathered in Accra to provide input. This collaboration aims to ensure that Ghana’s climate strategies are inclusive and aligned with both national goals and international pledges.

Ebenezer Appah-Sampong, the Lead Consultant for the NDC 2.0 Stocktaking, highlighted the importance of assessing the progress made since 2021. The evaluation will check how well the climate actions align with national development strategies and other commitments, such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This stocktaking includes a thorough review of all 47 climate actions and an analysis of how gender considerations are integrated into these strategies. The results will lead to a set of reports detailing progress, challenges, and recommendations for the upcoming NDC 3.0.

Urgency in Action

With climate change already disrupting rainfall patterns and increasing extreme weather events, stakeholders stressed the need for a strong climate agenda. Salomey Adjei, West Africa Coordinator of the African Climate Reality Project, emphasized that the review process should not just be a technical exercise but a commitment to securing a sustainable future for all.

In the coming months, workshops and consultations will further validate the findings. Ghana’s new climate strategy aims to be ready ahead of the 2025 UN climate conference in Brazil. As a signatory to the Paris Agreement, Ghana must show leadership by raising its climate ambitions.

There are calls for enhanced stakeholder engagement, investment in green jobs, and stronger national budget support for climate actions. Some civil society groups are keen to see the mining sector included in the discussions, given its significant impact on land and resources interconnected with climate challenges.

The Path Forward

The journey ahead for Ghana involves balancing climate action with economic interests like mineral wealth. With thoughtful policies and inclusive planning, the country can set an example for sustainable growth in Africa.

The success of NDC 3.0 will rely on better collaboration, improved financing, and increased transparency. Engaging local communities and civil society is vital, as they are often most affected by climate change and resource extraction.

As Ghana moves forward, the insights from this stocktaking process will play a crucial role in shaping its climate action agenda, aiming for a resilient and sustainable future.

By Ama Kudom-Agyemang

For more information, visit UNDP on Ghana’s climate efforts and the Paris Agreement resources.

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Climate Ambition,Ghana,nationally determined contributions (NDCs),NDCs 3.0