By Our Democracy News GH
Ghana is strengthening its institutional and technical capacity for international climate negotiations ahead of the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31), with the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) announcing plans to equip the country’s climate negotiators with the expertise and strategic direction needed to advance national interests.
Chief Executive Officer of the Environmental Protection Authority, Prof. Nana Ama Browne Klutse, made this known during the national press conference to unveil Ghana’s preparations for COP31, where she outlined key initiatives aimed at strengthening the country’s climate diplomacy and participation in international negotiations.
According to her, Ghana’s preparations go beyond merely participating in the global climate conference, but are intended to ensure that the country’s climate and development priorities are effectively represented in international discussions.
Ghana establishes National Roster of Climate Negotiation Experts
Prof. Klutse highlighted the establishment of the Ghana National Roster of Experts on Climate Negotiations, which was officially launched in October 2025.
She explained that the roster was created to strengthen Ghana’s institutional and technical capacity for climate negotiations, promote continuity and knowledge management, and ensure that the country’s negotiating positions are informed by research, technical expertise and national priorities.
The roster has also contributed to the development of Ghana’s first Biennial Transparency Report (BTR), identified in her remarks as the SB46 Report, while spearheading the development of the Black Star Position Document.
Black Star Position Document to guide Ghana’s COP31 negotiations
The EPA CEO disclosed that Ghana would formally introduce its lead negotiators for COP31 and unveil the Black Star Position Document, which is expected to serve as a strategic framework for the country’s engagement across different climate negotiation thematic areas.
The document is intended to provide clear direction for Ghana’s negotiators and ensure that the country’s interventions at COP31 remain coordinated, consistent and aligned with national interests.
EPA announces National COP Negotiators Programme
In another significant announcement, Prof. Klutse revealed that the EPA would introduce the National COP Negotiators Programme beginning next year.
The programme will provide structured training and capacity development for climate negotiators and national delegates participating in the Conferences of the Parties under three international environmental conventions:
- United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
- United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (UNCBD).
- United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).
She said the initiative would build a sustainable pipeline of technically competent negotiators, strengthen institutional memory and facilitate knowledge transfer between experienced and emerging negotiators.
The programme is also expected to move Ghana beyond individual participation towards building a strong, coordinated and sustainable national climate negotiation system.
Media urged to support Ghana’s climate agenda
Prof. Klutse also underscored the important role of the media in communicating Ghana’s climate priorities, shaping public understanding and holding stakeholders accountable.
She called for stronger collaboration between the EPA and media practitioners to ensure that Ghana’s preparations and contributions towards COP31 receive the visibility and public engagement they deserve.
Concluding her remarks, she expressed confidence in Ghana’s readiness to participate meaningfully in the international climate negotiations, declaring:
“Ghana is ready to engage, Ghana is ready to lead, and Ghana is ready to make its voice count.”
The initiatives outlined by the EPA form part of Ghana’s broader efforts to strengthen climate diplomacy, build national expertise and ensure that the country’s interests are effectively represented in international environmental negotiations.
