
Samuel Abu Jinapor, Lands Minister

The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, says the upcoming 28th edition of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) is a unique and unprecedented opportunity for Ghana to showcase its impactful contributions to the global fight against climate change.
Speaking at the Pre-COP 28 event in Accra, Mr Jinapor highlighted the vital role and platform that COP28 provides for Ghana, allowing the nation to amplify its commitment and efforts in addressing climate change challenges.
Scheduled to occur from November 30 to December 12, 2023, in Expo City, Dubai, COP28 holds significant importance in ongoing global efforts to combat climate change.
The Minister emphasised the distinctiveness of this year’s conference, as it marks the first Global Stocktake since the adoption of the landmark Paris Agreement in 2015.
He added that this presents an opportunity for Ghana to review the effectiveness of its adaptation and mitigation measures, climate financing, and the country’s nationally determined contributions.
Activities lineup
Mr Jinapor announced a packed lineup of activities, showcasing the government’s commitment to playing a central role in the global fight against climate change.
“Ghana’s climate change strategy is anchored in forest and natural solutions, with confidence expressed in achieving a consensus on upscaling forest-oriented solutions by the end of the conference,” he added.
The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources had secured a pavilion, serving as the hub of Ghana’s participation at COP28.
Key events include the Presidential Event, where President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo will host heads of states and the United States’ Special Presidential Envoy on Climate, Secretary John Kerry, under the theme “Leveraging Nature-Based Solutions Towards 1.5°C: Monitoring Progress.”
Events
The Ministerial event on “Accelerating Forest and Nature Finance Towards 1.5⁰C” and collaboration with AFRIWOCC on implementing communique actions and roadmaps are among the highlighted activities.
Additionally, events like the technical knowledge sharing on the Ghana Cocoa Forest REDD+ Programme, a roundtable discussion on the Cocoa and Forest Initiative, and a forum on “Safeguarding Women and Children in REDD+ Processes: Financing What Works” are planned.
Support
Mr Jinapor urged stakeholders to support the ministry in delivering a successful COP28.
For her part, the Second Lady, Samira Bawumia, who is also AFRIWOCC Chairperson, expressed concerns over climate change’s devastating impact on Ghana’s socio-economic development, particularly on women and children.
She pledged to continue working with stakeholders and emphasized the need for integrating women and children into climate change policies.