The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) of Ghana has launched the 'Black Star Agenda', a document that outlines the country's position on international climate negotiations ahead of the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31). The initiative aims to strengthen Ghana's participation and influence in international climate negotiations. Prof. Nana Ama Browne Klutse, CEO of the EPA, launched the agenda under the theme "Ghana's Road to COP31: Strengthening Climate Diplomacy, Advancing National Priorities and Showcasing Ghana's Leadership".
The 'Black Star Agenda' is designed to build a strong and technically competent team of climate negotiators capable of advancing Ghana's national interests on the international stage. The initiative has gone beyond preparations for international negotiations to include sustained engagement with negotiators in Ghana. This ensures that discussions and outcomes from previous negotiations are translated into meaningful national action. The agenda provides a clear direction for Ghana's participation in climate negotiations.
Prof. Klutse emphasized that Ghana is determined to participate actively in COP31 and ensure its voice is heard. The country's negotiating positions must reflect its national development priorities, particularly in agriculture, technology transfer, energy transition, climate change, environmental protection and infrastructure development. The EPA CEO noted that Ghana's negotiating positions must align with broader African priorities since Ghana chairs the African Group of Negotiators.
The 'Black Star Agenda' also includes the establishment of a national roster of experts on climate negotiations. The roster is open to additional experts with the requisite knowledge and experience to contribute to Ghana's climate diplomacy efforts. This initiative aims to build a sustainable pipeline of technically competent negotiators, strengthen institutional memory and facilitate knowledge transfer between experienced and emerging negotiators.
The EPA CEO acknowledged the contributions of development partners and other stakeholders, whose technical and institutional support had helped strengthen the initiative. The Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology provided policy direction and support, particularly acknowledging the minister's commitment to strengthening Ghana's climate negotiation process. The Jospong Group of Companies has donated $50,000 to the EPA ahead of COP 31.
COP31 is scheduled to take place in Antalya, Turkiye, from November 9 to 20, 2026. The conference brings together countries to discuss and address climate change issues. Ghana's participation in the conference is crucial, given the country's commitment to addressing climate change and promoting sustainable development. The 'Black Star Agenda' will guide Ghana's engagement at the conference.
The launch of the 'Black Star Agenda' marks a significant step towards strengthening Ghana's climate diplomacy efforts. The initiative demonstrates Ghana's leadership in climate diplomacy while ensuring that its national priorities remain central to its negotiating positions. Key stakeholders have expressed support for the initiative, which is expected to contribute to meaningful outcomes at COP31.
Key points
- Ghana launches 'Black Star Agenda' to guide climate negotiations at COP31
- Agenda aims to strengthen Ghana's participation and influence in international climate negotiations
- Initiative includes establishment of a national roster of experts on climate negotiations
