Ghana news From Korean perspective: Climate change policies of Ghana others should emulate
I am Korean, and one of my favourite childhood snacks was ‘Ghana Chocolate’.
Initially, I had no idea that Ghana was an African country, and I was curious about the name "Ghana."
This is an indication that even before Korea and Ghana established diplomatic ties in 1977, private trade already existed.
"Ghana" had long been a familiar word to the Korean people.
Having worked for over 30 years at a public environmental agency under Korea’s Ministry of Climate, Energy, and Environment, I have gained extensive experience in overseas business development.
Based on this, the Korea Environmental Industry and Technology Institute (KEITI) appointed me head of its Ghana office when it opened in 2024.
When I arrived, I had no office or staff and struggled to rent, register, and set up an office all on my own.
I had many concerns, particularly how to work with the Ghanaian government to identify and pursue environmental projects.
Greenhouse gas
As I met Ghanaian officials and studied national policies, I was surprised to find strong legal and institutional frameworks for greenhouse gas projects under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.
Yet I questioned whether the human resources and administrative systems needed for effective implementation were truly in place.
In Ghana, the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology (MEST) develops policies to meet international climate goals and national emission reduction targets.
To implement them, it created the Ghana Carbon Market Office (GCMO), which registers, reviews, and approves projects.
These projects are then managed on the Ghana Carbon Market Registry.
In 2025, when KEITI and Ghana’s Ministry of Environment hosted the first Korea-Africa Environmental Cooperation Forum, officials from other African nations in attendance were full of praise for Ghana’s ability to identify and manage emission reduction projects.
It became clear that Ghana has one of the strongest legal and institutional foundations for greenhouse gas reduction.
Ghana, with its strong administrative infrastructure for greenhouse gas projects, has signed climate agreements with Switzerland, Sweden, Singapore, and others, producing results through numerous initiatives.
These projects advance Ghana’s National Determined Contribution (NDC) goals, create jobs, and generate major financial returns through carbon credit transfers.
I had never seen results from greenhouse gas projects under Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement. But Ghana changed that, becoming the first African country, and only the second worldwide, to issue ITMOs for greenhouse gas reductions.
This widely reported milestone shows Ghana’s leadership in global climate cooperation; a truly remarkable feat!
I believe that other African countries can adopt and implement Ghana’s system, but not without significant challenges.
Many developing nations in Africa and Southeast Asia are eager to pursue Article 6 projects and agreements, but Ghana is the first to show real results.
The main obstacle for these countries is weak administrative frameworks and limited capacity to review and approve projects.
Role in policy sharing
Ghana, the first country in Western Sahara to gain independence, has faced coups and economic hardship, including an IMF bailout, yet navigated these challenges prudently.
Peaceful elections and power transfers have earned it global admiration, making Ghana a political model in Africa.
Its advanced legal and institutional capacity for climate projects further sets it apart. Just as Ghana benefitted from international support in its development, now is the time to share and expand these successful policies across Africa. Strengthening Ghana’s institutions will help it grow into a leading nation beyond West Africa.
Korea
Ghana cooperation
The Korean government has long admired Ghana’s democratic maturity and advanced climate policies, and is making strong efforts to cooperate. This is the time to reap results.
As the two nations prepare to celebrate 50 years of diplomatic ties in 2027, and with the recent signing of the Korea-Ghana Framework Agreement on Climate Change, it is expected that this will open the door for Korean companies to enter Ghana, invest in climate projects, and support Ghana’s NDC goals.
This will yield benefits that extend well beyond financial gains for both the people and the government.
Looking ahead
South Korea, once among the world’s poorest after the Korean War, transformed through export-driven industries, education, U.S. aid, and openness; earning the name “Miracle on the Han River.”
Today, it ranks among the world’s top 10 economies.
Though rapid growth brought environmental challenges, Korea addressed them with technology, research, and strong policies, becoming a leader in environmental innovation.
The Korea-Ghana Climate Change Agreement will mark a milestone for collaboration, with Korea’s expertise helping Ghana tackle environmental challenges and build a sustainable future.
The writer is the Chief Representative of the Ghana Office of KEITI
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