Washington: Mr. Issifu Seidu, the Minister of State for Climate Change and Sustainability, has advocated that Ghana, as the host country of the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF) Headquarters, be granted a permanent seat on the CVF and V20 Finance Ministers Board. He emphasized the international precedent where host nations of similar secretariats have held permanent representation, and highlighted Ghana’s significant role in global climate action.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Seidu, who was also appointed as a member of the CVF-V20 board, made this proposal during the inaugural CVF-V20 Board Meeting held in Washington, D.C. The Board welcomed the proposal in principle and agreed that it should be presented to the broader CVF-V20 community for endorsement to ensure transparency and equity. The CVF-V20 serves as a crucial South-South cooperation platform, uniting climate-vulnerable nations in pursuit of long-term climate prosperity.
The CVF-V20 operates through five key structures: the CVF Leaders, Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Environment, V20 Finance Ministers, the CVF Global Parliamentary Group, and the V20 Central Bank Governors Working Group. These entities work collectively to integrate climate action into political, economic, and legislative frameworks.
Mr. Seidu expressed appreciation to President John Mahama for entrusting him with the role of Ghana’s first Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability. He noted that this reflects the nation’s growing prominence in global climate governance. He remarked that the inaugural CVF-V20 Board Meeting marked a key milestone in strengthening collective efforts to scale up adaptation measures, expand financing for loss and damage, and advance health, water, energy, and food security across vulnerable nations.
Mr. Seidu emphasized Ghana’s leadership and commitment, asserting that the CVF-V20 is poised to drive a new era of climate resilience, technological innovation, and sustainable prosperity for nations most at risk from the climate crisis. He highlighted Ghana’s proactive steps toward building climate and economic resilience, including the country’s hosting of the global headquarters of the CVF.
In detailing Ghana’s ongoing initiatives, the Minister mentioned the government’s efforts to finance 500 megawatts of new solar capacity under its renewable energy expansion program. He also referenced productive engagements held in Beijing aimed at strengthening trade and economic cooperation to support climate-smart development.
The Minister indicated that Ghana is currently updating its Climate Prosperity Plan (CPP) to align with prevailing fiscal realities and investment opportunities. He called for enhanced collaboration among member countries and development partners to ensure climate finance delivers tangible results for vulnerable populations.