The United States Government, through its USAID-supported Feed the Future activities, has organized the first-ever Climate Finance Conference in Ghana to unlock investment for climate action. The three-day conference aims to share information on climate action, resources, and best practices, and strategize on attracting investment to manage climate risks and mitigate their effects.
Themed “Climate Finance in Ghana: Mobilizing Resources for Adaptation and Mitigation,” the conference brought together key stakeholders in the agriculture finance sector, including government, the private sector, and development partners. Organized by Feed the Future Ghana Mobilizing Finance in Agriculture (MFA) in collaboration with Feed the Future Policy LINK Activity, Africa Trade and Investment (ATI), and Market Systems Resilience (MSR), the conference addressed the worsening impacts of climate change on agriculture, such as increased temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and extreme weather events.
Ms Kimberly Rosen, the USAID Ghana Mission Director, highlighted the challenges faced by the agricultural sector due to climate change, including decreased yields and their consequences on the economy, food security, jobs, and livelihoods. She emphasized the need for an integrated approach to climate finance and action in agriculture to address these challenges effectively.
The USAID, through activities such as ATI and MFA, is working to address credit constraints and climate change in Ghana's agriculture sector. Ms. Stella Williams, Coordinating Director of the Ministry of Finance, commended the U.S. government's support and emphasized the opportunity for market-based interventions and international investments to mobilize additional resources for climate goals and broader development objectives.
Dr. Victor Antwi, Chief of Party of MFA, provided technical assistance to entities seeking finance for climate action, facilitating access to significant funds for agribusinesses and farmers, with a notable portion going to women-owned enterprises. The conference featured plenaries, master classes, panel discussions, and business-to-business meetings aimed at connecting businesses, financing institutions, investors, and development partners to implement climate-smart interventions.
The conference will conclude with an Action Plan for climate-smart interventions in Ghana, emphasizing collaboration between government, the private sector, and development partners to address climate change impacts and build economic resilience.