Ghana Launches $5.6m Green Climate Fund Project to Boost Water Security and Climate Resilience

Story by Fada Amakye

Ghana has launched a multi-country Green Climate Fund (GCF) readiness project, valued at over $5.6 million, aimed at strengthening the country’s capacity to access climate finance and develop bankable projects to address climate change impacts. The project is part of the Africa Union’s Continental Africa Water Investment Program, a comprehensive initiative aimed at mobilizing investments in water security and climate resilience across the continent.

The project will support Ghana’s efforts to mobilize climate finance, strengthen institutional capacity, and develop a pipeline of bankable projects in the water sector. This includes improving water management practices, enhancing irrigation systems, and increasing access to water supply, particularly in rural and vulnerable communities.

Ghana’s economy is heavily dependent on climate-sensitive sectors such as agriculture, forestry, and energy, making it vulnerable to climate change impacts. The project aims to address these challenges by promoting climate-resilient water management practices, improving irrigation systems, and enhancing access to water supply. This is expected to have a significant impact on the country’s agricultural productivity, food security, and overall economic growth.

The Minister of Finance, represented by the Chief Economic Officer, Benjamin Torsah-klu, emphasized the government’s commitment to addressing climate change and water security challenges. He highlighted the country’s revised National Water Policy and updated National Economic Contribution as key frameworks for achieving sustainable water resource management. “We are proud to be among the 50 countries participating in this first phase of the transformative program,” he said.

The project is expected to have far-reaching benefits for Ghana, including improved water security, enhanced climate resilience, and increased economic growth. It is also expected to contribute to the country’s efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 6, which focuses on ensuring universal access to clean water and sanitation.