Rory Wood, Senior Policy Officer for Climate, Environment, and Water at the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, has paid a courtesy call on Seidu Issifu, Minister of State for Climate Change and Sustainability, to strengthen bilateral relations and explore avenues for enhanced cooperation in climate action.

At the start of the meeting, Rory Wood congratulated Seidu Issifu on his historic appointment as Ghana’s first Minister of State for Climate Change and Sustainability.

He commended Ghana’s leadership in establishing a dedicated ministerial position to oversee climate action, emphasizing that this step signals the country’s strong commitment to addressing environmental challenges.

Tackling Climate Effects in Cocoa and Water Sectors

With Ghana’s cocoa industry and water resources facing increasing threats from climate change, the meeting highlighted the urgent need for innovative climate adaptation strategies.

Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and prolonged dry spells have adversely affected cocoa yields, posing a risk to the livelihoods of millions of farmers.

Similarly, water security challenges call for improved management systems to ensure sustainable access to clean water for communities and industries.

"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," Rory Wood stated.

Coastal Protection and Resilience-Building

Coastal erosion remains a significant challenge for Ghana, with communities along the Gulf of Guinea experiencing loss of land, infrastructure, and livelihoods.

The minister emphasised the need for long-term coastal protection measures, including nature-based solutions and sustainable urban planning.

Both parties discussed the potential for Dutch expertise in water engineering to support Ghana’s efforts in protecting its coastal zones.

Leading Efficient Government Spending in Climate Solutions

A key takeaway from the discussions was the importance of government efficiency in climate spending.

Seidu Issifu stressed that ensuring transparency, accountability, and impact-driven investment is crucial for achieving tangible results in climate adaptation and mitigation efforts.

"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," the minister affirmed.



Creating a Special Funding Vehicle for Government Projects

To further enhance Ghana’s ability to finance large-scale climate initiatives, the two leaders explored the idea of creating a dedicated funding mechanism for government-led projects.

This special vehicle would streamline access to international financing, ensuring sustained investment in priority areas such as renewable energy, climate-smart agriculture, and disaster preparedness.

The courtesy visit reaffirmed the strong partnership between Ghana and the Netherlands in tackling climate change.

Both leaders expressed optimism that continued collaboration would lead to transformative solutions that safeguard Ghana’s environment and future generations.