Ghana’s Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, has cautioned against global climate policies that disproportionately burden African countries and undermine their sovereignty and development aspirations.

She warned that any approach to climate action that fails to consider Africa’s unique circumstances risks becoming “a new form of colonialism.”

Dr Agyeman-Rawlings made the remarks during a high-level meeting between the United Nations Secretary-General and African Heads of State and Government at the ongoing COP31 climate conference in Türkiye.

The meeting focused on Africa’s priorities in global climate action and the need to ensure that the continent’s interests are adequately represented in international climate discussions.

Speaking at the meeting, Dr Agyeman-Rawlings reiterated the need for climate policies, financing mechanisms and the global energy transition to be “equitable and just to African states.”

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She cautioned that “any approach that disproportionately burdens Africa” could undermine the continent’s ability to pursue its development objectives.

The minister further stressed that climate action must respect the sovereignty of African countries and recognise their right to determine their own development pathways.

According to her, an approach that “undermines its sovereignty and limits its development aspirations” risks becoming a new form of colonialism.

Her comments reinforce calls by African countries for fairness in global climate negotiations, particularly regarding climate financing, energy access and the transition to cleaner energy sources.

Africa has consistently advocated for climate policies that recognise its development needs while ensuring that the continent receives adequate support to address the effects of climate change.

Story by Mawuli Ahorlumegah reporting from the United Nations Climate Change Conference COP31, Antalya, Türkiye

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