By Rachel Quartey
Ghana has called for stronger global action on pollution, climate change, and environmental governance as the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources and Acting Minister for Environment, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, addressed the Seventh Session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7).
Speaking on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama in Nairobi, Kenya, the Minister warned that environmental degradation was pushing countries—especially vulnerable ones like Ghana—past critical planetary limits.
“This assembly convenes at a critical moment, shaped by science and guided by responsibility,” he said. “Fishermen watch as the sea claims their shores. Farmers face failing rains. Families breathe polluted air. Our response must rest on evidence, innovation, and firm political will.”
Mr. Armah-Kofi Buah outlined Ghana’s domestic actions, including ongoing efforts to protect forests and water bodies, strengthen environmental governance, and accelerate the country’s clean energy transition. He highlighted the recent withdrawal and reconstruction of Legislative Instrument 2462, which he described as an example of leadership grounded in science and public accountability.
“Science spoke. The people spoke. Leadership responded,” he emphasized. “We have designated key forest reserves as red zones where mining cannot be permitted, and reclamation programmes are restoring degraded landscapes and riverbanks.”
He also announced the launch of a US$3.4 billion clean energy investment plan in Accra, which will expand solar and wind generation, build mini-grids, and support solar-powered irrigation for farmers.
“It is a defining step in West Africa’s clean energy future,” he said, adding that the initiative reflects President Mahama’s vision for “a resilient, innovative, and inclusive transition.”
Ghana Pushes Global Commitments on Pollution and Plastics
On the margins of UNEA-7, the Minister participated in high-level side events, including the Global Partnership Action on Plastics, where he outlined Ghana’s leadership role in the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) process toward a global plastics treaty. He also joined a UNEP-hosted dialogue on synergies across multilateral environmental agreements, where he discussed Ghana’s coordinated efforts on climate, biodiversity, pollution, artisanal mining, air quality, and environmental governance.
Calling for stronger global rules on hazardous waste, chemicals, plastics, and e-waste, the Minister stressed that developing countries needed fairer terms in the global environmental and green minerals economy.
“Countries like Ghana must be supported to add value at home while protecting ecosystems and communities,” he said. “We call for climate finance that is accessible, predictable, and fair—and for technological partnerships that allow nations to act at the speed demanded by science.”
A Call for Delivery, Not Declarations
Mr. Armah-Kofi Buah urged delegates to turn commitments into implementation, describing UNEA-7 as a moment for collective resolve.
“The time for declarations without delivery is over,” he declared. “Let the clarity of our rivers match the clarity of our resolve. Let the green of our forests reflect the prosperity we seek for our people.”
He concluded with a call for a global compact that accelerates real change: “Let Nairobi be remembered not for the words we spoke, but for the systems we changed.”
