President John Dramani Mahama has called on developed countries to provide climate finance without increasing the debt burden of vulnerable economies. Mahama made the call while addressing the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.
He described climate change as a major issue of global fairness. “Climate change is the ultimate test of global equity,” he said.
The President said Africa contributes less than four per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, yet he noted that the continent continues to face serious climate impacts. These include erratic rainfall, coastal erosion and desertification.
Mahama also highlighted the impact of extreme weather on Ghana and other parts of coastal West Africa. He said heavy rainfall on June 29, 2026 exceeded 160 millimetres within 24 hours. The rainfall affected seven coastal regions in Ghana.
According to Mahama, the disaster caused 39 deaths, while one person remained missing. He used the incident to renew Ghana’s call for stronger international support for countries facing the effects of climate change.
“Climate justice demands that developed nations fulfil their long-overdue financial commitments,” he said.
Mahama also called for climate funding that does not increase the debt burden of developing countries. He said vulnerable economies need reliable financial support to respond to climate-related challenges.
“Mitigation support must be operationalised with predictable, non-debt-creating grants, not loans that further indebt fragile economies,” he said.
The President linked climate finance to wider reforms in the global financial system. He said developing countries need access to affordable financing.
Such funding, he argued, would allow them to invest in climate adaptation without worsening their debt pressures.
