The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Mr Samuel A. Jinapor, has tasked a 10-member committee to ensure an impactful and successful participation at the 28th Conference of the parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) in Dubai.
The Minister, at the inauguration on Wednesday, said the government has assumed a leading role in discussions about climate change on the globe, adding that there are rife expectations for the country to contribute immensely to policy ideas and initiatives about the climate at COP28.
He said Ghana is a co-chair of the COP28, alongside the United States of America, has a big challenge of delivering a successful conference and that the committee would have to work to protect the country’s reputation.
“For very good reasons, Ghana has become a leading country when it comes to issues of climate action. For COP28, expectations are very high and our ambitions are also high and I felt that very early on, I put together a team of competent people which will be chaired by Mr Benito Owusu-Bio,” he said.
Mr Jinapor also stressed the importance of highlighting the African story relative to climate change and the need for Ghana to explore it.
On his part, the Chairman of the committee, Mr Benito Owusu-Bio, welcomed the challenge handed to them and assured him that they would deliver perfectly.
He promised to provide the leadership necessary for Ghana to have successful participation and stressed the importance of COP28 for Ghana’s climate action plans.
Other members are Mr. John Allotey; CEO of Forestry Commission, Mr. Sulemana Koney; CEO of Ghana Chamber of Mines, Mr. Martin Ayisi; CEO of Minerals Commission, Mr Joseph Osiakwah; Technical Director Forestry, Ms Roselyn F. Adjei, Director of Climate Change, Forestry Commission, Head Climate Change Unit (EPA), Mr. Emmanuel Okang, Head, Protocol Unit, Mr. Cletus Alengah and Mrs Juliet Osei-Wusu.
COP28 is scheduled from November 30 to December 12, 2023, and will be held at the Expo City in Dubai.
Joyce Adwoa Animia Ocran, ISD
