Climate plan review launched in Accra
By Praisebell Rosemond Larbi
The nation has begun revising its national climate plan, the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0), to strengthen resilience against worsening droughts, floods and rising temperatures, while unlocking new sources of international climate finance for sustainable development.
The revision, officially launched in Accra through an inception workshop, forms part of Ghana’s commitment under the Paris Agreement, which requires countries to regularly update their climate actions.
The new plan will guide Ghana’s environmental and economic priorities from 2030 to 2035, succeeding the 2021 version (NDC 2.0).
Taking Stock and Raising Ambition
The revision begins with a nationwide stocktaking exercise to assess progress under NDC 2.0 and identify remaining gaps.
According to the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI), Ghana implemented 47 climate-related programmes over the past four years, focusing on renewable energy, forest protection, waste management and sustainable agriculture.
The review will determine what worked and what did not, while aligning Ghana’s new targets with global efforts to limit temperature rise to 1.5°C. It will also help attract greater climate finance for communities hit hardest by environmental shocks.
“We are helping Ghana develop a comprehensive, economy-wide plan that adopts a whole-of-society approach. The new NDC will align with both the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals,” said Dr Abdul-Razak Saeed, Head of Environment Cluster at UNDP Ghana.
From Policy to People
While climate policies often sound technical, their impact can be deeply personal. In northern Ghana, longer dry spells and erratic rains continue to threaten crops and livelihoods.
The revised plan is expected to prioritise irrigation projects, drought-resistant seeds and early-warning system initiatives that could transform farming outcomes for thousands.
Beyond agriculture, NDC 3.0 is expected to expand clean cooking and renewable energy initiatives to reduce deforestation and improve public health. Solar mini-grids and decentralised power systems will be promoted for rural schools, clinics and small businesses.
Linking Climate Goals with Development
Experts emphasise that Ghana’s climate ambition is also an economic strategy. By investing in climate-smart agriculture, energy efficiency and local manufacturing of clean technologies, the plan could create green jobs and enhance competitiveness within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Economists say a credible, ambitious NDC 3.0 will attract greater funding from global development partners and private investors seeking sustainable projects across Africa.
A Whole-of-Society Effort
The revision process will engage civil society, private sector actors, traditional leaders and youth groups across all 16 regions.
The review will continue through 2026, culminating in a final document outlining measurable targets for emissions reduction, adaptation and financing.
Why It Matters
For many Ghanaians, climate change is no longer a distant risk but a lived experience, from rising food prices to flash floods and water scarcity. NDC 3.0 aims to turn these challenges into opportunities for investment, innovation and inclusive growth.
“This is about more than meeting global targets. It is about protecting livelihoods, ensuring food security and building a future where every Ghanaian can thrive despite a changing climate,” Dr Saeed added.
