The Canadian High Commissioner to Ghana H.E. Kati Csaba has revealed that the Canadian Government is set to contribute $132.9 million to establish the Canada-African Development Bank Climate to support climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts on the continent.
She said the fund will enhance women’s economic rights and participation in climate action, and mobilize private capital to fill the climate investment gap in Africa he hopes that this is an investment that resonates with those of you in this room and that you will find ways to tap into these funds through African Development Bank mechanisms.
According to her, Canada understands that urgent action is needed to support climate action and that is why a doubling of our international climate finance commitment to $5.3 billion over the period 2022 – 2027 will respond to the current climate emergency, particularly in support of African countries which are disproportionately affected.
These funds will contribute to strengthening Ghana’s ability to respond to the economic and social impacts of climate change and the damage caused by COVID-19. 240 small-scale and medium-scale men and women entrepreneurs will be supported with proof of concept grants and business advisory services, to develop profitable and locally-appropriate solutions to mitigate or adapt to climate change “she said”
She said addressing inequality is central to his mandate here in Ghana. Following the visit to Ghana of Canada’s Minister for International Development, and then most recently our Minister for Environment and Climate Change, it has become abundantly clear to me that climate change will continue to drive poverty unless we can tap into the innovation, the energy and the creativity of young entrepreneurs who have the potential to drive large-scale change.
She said they are all vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, women and girls in developing countries are uniquely affected by the damaging effects of climate change and environmental degradation. It is especially important to ensure that they have access to and influence on environmental decision-making and climate action.
The needs of women and girls are at the heart of Canada’s development assistance efforts, which are grounded in the six pillars of our Feminist International Assistance Policy. Environment and climate action and ensuring growth that works for everyone are priorities that frame Canada’s work in Ghana.
Speaking at the 2022 Incubating Climate Innovation symposium she said Canada partners not only with international institutions but also directly with civil society organizations to implement solutions that are adapted to the local context. I am so pleased that Canada has been able to support green entrepreneurship and the sustainable growth of small- and medium-sized businesses in Ghana. An example of this commitment was announced by our Minister for International Development in March 2022 with $10 million (CAD) in partnership funding to Ashesi University’s Ghana Climate Innovation Centre.
Keeping our Feminist International Assistance Policy in mind, half of the 240 entrepreneurs will be women and I cannot wait to see what results arise as these entrepreneurs take advantage of new opportunities in sectors such as renewable energy, climate-smart agriculture, waste and water management, to contribute to a green recovery from the damage of the climate crisis and the impact of COVID-19 in Ghana.
Recognizing the important role that entrepreneurs play in the development of innovative solutions to address climate issues, in creating more jobs, and in improving livelihoods, it is not a stretch to expect, as they successfully expand their climate-smart enterprises, that GCIC-supported entrepreneurs can address some of the drivers of inequality.
She added that GCIC will contribute to Ghana’s transition to a safer, healthier, more equitable and more prosperous green economy. I challenge you to dig deep and dream big as you participate in this symposium, as you have such an important role to play in ensuring the impact of innovation in achieving our collective vision for climate action. I wish you rich conversations, bold ideas, strong connections and collaboration.
Professor Angela Owusu-Ansah, Provost of Ashesi University highlighted the importance of simple, novel and effective solutions to solving the complexities of climate change.
Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana
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