In a high-level diplomatic engagement underscoring mutual commitment to global climate action, the Minister of State for Climate Change and Sustainability of the Republic of Ghana, Seidu Issifu, paid a courtesy visit to Tong Defa, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Ghana.

Held at the Chinese Embassy in Accra, the meeting served as a platform to formally introduce the newly established Ministerial Office and explore collaborative opportunities in the area of climate change, energy transition, and sustainability.

Advancing Ghana’s vision for a climate-resilient future

The minister expressed his gratitude to the ambassador for the warm reception and highlighted the significance of the occasion as a step toward strategic bilateral engagement on climate and sustainability.

He shared the vision behind the creation of the Office of the Minister of State for Climate Change and Sustainability by the president, emphasising its mandate to coordinate climate action across all sectors and government institutions.

Key highlights included Ghana’s intention to establish a Climate and Sustainability Hub, envisioned as a regional centre of excellence for knowledge exchange, data, innovation, and finance.

The minister further outlined plans to accelerate solar rooftop installations across public institutions to ease the country’s energy debt burden, as well as the creation of Climate and Sustainability Units at regional and local government levels to enhance community-driven resilience and environmental education.

China’s Green Transition and offer of partnership

In response, Ambassador Tong Defa welcomed Ghana’s forward-looking climate agenda and reaffirmed China’s readiness to support African nations in advancing green development.

He emphasised China’s transition from fossil-fuel-based investments toward renewable energy, including solar and wind power, and cited ongoing involvement of Chinese companies such as Huawei in Ghana’s renewable energy landscape.

The ambassador also showcased China’s progress in electric vehicles, emissions reduction, and desertification control, offering avenues for technical exchange and bilateral learning.

He underscored China’s national carbon market and regulatory mechanisms as models of structured climate governance and expressed enthusiasm for deeper cooperation.

Exploring training, knowledge exchange, and climate diplomacy

As part of China’s commitment to capacity building across Africa, the ambassador offered training opportunities for Ghanaian officials in key thematic areas such as agriculture, the digital economy, and climate-related sectors.

The minister expressed keen interest in engaging with his counterparts in China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment and related institutions, to advance high-level climate diplomacy and share expertise on both sides.

Both parties recognised the importance of facilitating regular bilateral exchanges and affirmed the value of collaborative engagement in multilateral climate forums, including potential participation in high-level climate summits in China.

Proposal for a Ghana–China Climate Business Forum

Looking ahead, the minister proposed the organization of a Ghana–China Climate Business Forum to be held in Accra.

The forum would serve as a platform to connect Chinese and Ghanaian businesses and investors interested in advancing climate-related projects and green innovation.

The ambassador welcomed the proposal and pledged to explore how the Chinese Embassy could support its realization by facilitating the participation of key stakeholders from the Chinese private sector and investment community.



Agreed Next Steps – Toward Tangible Action

Notification of Training Opportunities:

The Chinese Embassy will provide timely updates to the Minister’s office regarding available short-term training programs in China, particularly those relevant to climate governance, energy, and sustainable development.

Submission of Collaboration Proposals:

The minister’s office will prepare and share detailed proposals outlining areas for technical cooperation, including pilot projects in solar energy, local-level sustainability programs, and institutional capacity building.

Climate Business Forum Planning:

Preparatory discussions will commence toward hosting the Ghana–China Climate Business Forum. Both parties will identify key sectors and potential participants, with the Embassy facilitating engagement with Chinese companies and investors.

High-Level Diplomatic Engagement:

The Embassy of China will explore possibilities to arrange ministerial-level engagements between Seidu Issifu and relevant climate and sustainability institutions in China, laying the groundwork for long-term strategic collaboration.

This diplomatic engagement marks a new chapter in Ghana–China relations, anchored in shared responsibility for planetary stewardship and sustainable growth. It reflects a mutual recognition of the urgent need to act boldly and collaboratively in addressing the climate emergency while fostering development, innovation, and solidarity across borders.