Seidu Issifu joins GCF dialogue on climate finance for West, Central Africa

The Minister of State for Climate Change and Sustainability, Seidu Issifu, participated in the four-day Green Climate Fund (GCF) Regional Dialogue with West and Central Africa, held from September 29 to October 2, 2026, in Accra, Ghana. The regional dialogue brought together National Designated Authorities, government representatives, GCF leadership, Accredited and Direct Access Entities, development partners, financial institutions, private-sector actors and other stakeholders to discuss practical approaches to strengthening climate finance across the region. The dialogue focused on improving access to GCF resources, strengthening national institutions, developing investment-ready climate projects, and mobilising public, concessional and private-sector finance. Discussions also considered the GCF’s Updated Strategic Plan for 2028–2031, with attention to regional investment needs and ways of improving the Fund’s accessibility, effectiveness and responsiveness. A major focus was the need to move from identified climate priorities to well-prepared projects and investments. Sessions examined public-sector climate finance, public-private partnerships, and approaches for using concessional finance to mobilise private investment. The programme also highlighted challenges relating to project preparation, bankability, implementation capacity and the development of stronger pipelines of investment-ready projects. Sector-specific discussions covered resilient cities and cleaner mobility, food security and resilient rural livelihoods, climate-smart agriculture, clean energy, ecosystem and nature finance, and climate action in vulnerable communities. The dialogue also explored opportunities to strengthen regional approaches to climate-smart agriculture and investment in sustainable food systems. Particular attention was given to readiness support and direct access. The programme showcased Ghana’s approved direct access proposal for a National Climate Resilient Investment Platform, while sessions examined how readiness resources can strengthen institutional capacity, climate planning and the development of investment pipelines. Participants also exchanged experiences on Direct Access Entities and practical approaches to improving country-led access to GCF resources. The Minister’s participation provided an opportunity to underscore Ghana’s interest in strengthening partnerships with the GCF and other climate finance institutions. In his remarks during the dialogue, Seidu Issifu emphasised the importance of moving from climate priorities to projects, investment and measurable impact, supported by strong institutions, reliable data, effective coordination and investment-ready proposals. He further highlighted the importance of ensuring that climate finance delivers practical benefits for communities, including supporting climate-resilient agriculture, protecting communities from climate-related risks, expanding clean energy and resilient infrastructure, protecting ecosystems, and creating sustainable economic opportunities. The dialogue provided Ghana and other countries in West and Central Africa with an opportunity to exchange experiences, strengthen partnerships and identify practical pathways for translating climate priorities into bankable programmes and investments. For Ghana, the engagement contributes to ongoing efforts to strengthen its climate investment pipeline and deepen cooperation with international climate finance partners.Source: Office of Minister of State for Climate Change and Sustainability
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