The largest annual climate conference, COP29, has entered its critical second week, with nearly 200 countries working to establish a new climate finance target to replace the $100 billion pledge made in 2009. This pivotal moment comes as nations face the growing urgency of adapting to climate change and addressing damages caused by extreme weather events. Among Ghana’s delegation of negotiators is Emmanuella Doreen Kwofie, a seasoned negotiator and advocate for climate action. Speaking to Pulse Ghana, Ms. Kwofie reflected on the progress of the conference, stating, “It has been busy. We finished the first week and are zooming into the second week, still negotiating and trying to make something meaningful out of this COP.”
Rising sea levels, frequent floods, and droughts are forcing people to leave their homes as their communities become uninhabitable, According to the Migration Data Portal, climate-related hazards led to 26.4 million displacements globally in 2023 alone.
Advocating for Climate Migration Solutions
In addition to her role as a negotiator, Ms. Kwofie serves as a Youth Delegate on Climate Migration for the International Organization for Migration (IOM). She emphasizes the critical need to prioritize climate migration issues during negotiations, as climate-induced displacement becomes increasingly urgent.
Climate Change’s Impact on Ghana
Ghana, like many developing nations, is grappling with severe challenges linked to climate change. President Nana Akufo-Addo addressed the issue at COP29, highlighting the immediate threats to Ghana’s farmers, coastlines, and communities. Ms. Kwofie further illustrated these impacts, pointing to the flooding of the Akosombo Dam, which displaced many families, as an indirect consequence of climate change. In Ghana’s northern regions, desertification and recurring droughts have worsened food insecurity, forcing migration and threatening livelihoods.
Pushing for Climate Finance
At COP29, Ms. Kwofie is championing the need for increased climate finance to help countries like Ghana adapt to climate change and mitigate emissions. “We need climate finance to ensure that we can adapt to climate change and even reduce our emissions,” she said. Her advocacy aligns with broader efforts at COP29 to hold developed nations accountable for their financial commitments to support developing countries. The ongoing negotiations aim to establish a new, ambitious funding target to replace the outdated $100 billion pledge.
Looking Ahead
As COP29 enters its decisive phase, Ms. Kwofie remains optimistic about the outcome. “I am very hopeful because the conversation needs to be had, and there must be a decision, especially on climate finance,” she stated. However, she acknowledged the challenges of these talks, describing the negotiations as a “back and forth” process, with various parties pushing competing agendas. GrandHedge International continues to monitor developments at COP29 as the conference works toward achieving actionable commitments to address the global climate crisis.
About GrandHedge International
GrandHedge International is a youth-led non-profit organization devoted to transforming livelihoods and building sustainable economic opportunities in local communities. We envision a future where communities in Sub-Saharan Africa are economically sustainable and resilient. Through strategic partnerships and innovative solutions, we aim to foster economic growth and development, ensuring the success of our communities in the global market.
For more information about GrandHedge International and our initiatives, please visit www.grandhedgeinternational.org.
Press Contact
Emmanuella Doreen Kwofie
Legal Director, GrandHedge International
Email: emmanuella.kwofie@grandhedgeinternational.com
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