Ghana Launches National Adaptation Plan to Tackle Climate Change

Ghana has officially launched its National Adaptation Plan (NAP), marking a major milestone in the country’s efforts to confront the impacts of climate change and strengthen resilience across communities, infrastructure, and ecosystems.

The plan was developed by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) under the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology, with support from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) as delivery partner. Initiated in 2017, the NAP underwent extensive technical and governance reviews before its formal launch in June 2020.

The launch event in Accra brought together stakeholders from the private sector, civil society, youth groups, financial institutions, donor partners, and NGOs. Discussions focused on the NAP’s policy priorities, implementation pathways, financing outlook, and integration of local adaptation strategies.

Nana Dr. Antwi Boasiako Amoah, Coordinator of the NAP and Director of Climate Vulnerability and Adaptation at EPA, explained that the plan provides a strategic framework to guide national and sectoral adaptation priorities, strengthen long-term planning, and advance coordinated action on climate risks.

“It builds on Ghana’s national commitments, aligns with the Paris Agreement, and reflects extensive stakeholder engagement at national and subnational levels,” Dr. Amoah said.

He noted that the preparation process included detailed climate hazard and vulnerability analyses, gender-responsive strategies, economic assessments of adaptation options, and private sector engagement. Key achievements also included the development of a youth engagement strategy, the establishment of a vulnerability portal, robust monitoring and evaluation systems, innovative financing models, and a policy coherence review to mainstream climate adaptation.

The NAP outlines sector- and district-specific action plans to guide implementation, some of which have already begun. Dr. Amoah emphasized the need to mobilize over $20 billion between 2025 and 2030 to address core priorities, calling for support from domestic and international partners, including bilateral and multilateral institutions and philanthropic organizations. Funding will target agriculture, water infrastructure, health, ecosystems, disaster risk management, and urban resilience.

Professor Nana Ama Browne Klutse, Executive Director of EPA, described the NAP as the product of sustained collaboration among institutions, experts, and communities.

“The NAP represents a strategic and coordinated response to Ghana’s evolving climate risks. It is our commitment as a country to protect people and nature and ensure that no Ghanaian is left behind,” she said, urging partnerships across government agencies, local authorities, development partners, CSOs, the private sector, media, and communities.

Delivering an address on behalf of the Acting Minister of Environment, Science and Technology, Madam Suweibatu Adam, Chief Director of the Ministry, described the NAP as Ghana’s most comprehensive documentation of actions to tackle climate change. She thanked all contributors and encouraged their continued involvement in implementation.

The launch also served as a platform for partners to explore collaboration, investment, and next steps in rolling out the NAP nationwide.

GNA