Ghana backs proposed Fossil Fuel Treaty, insists on equitable transition financing and national flexibility
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Ghana has backed the proposed Fossil Fuel Treaty initiative but insists that any global framework for transitioning away from fossil fuels must provide equitable financing and allow countries to determine their own pathways in line with their national circumstances.
Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, outlined Ghana’s position at a ministerial meeting on the proposed treaty and financing for an equitable energy transition held on Monday, November 2, 2026, in Antigua and Barbuda.
The meeting took place at the Admiral Ballroom of Sandals Grande Antigua Hotel and brought together ministers and senior officials to discuss the objectives of the proposed treaty, the challenges facing countries dependent on fossil fuels and the financial arrangements required to support a fair transition.
Mr Ablakwa said Ghana welcomed the initiative but stressed that the transition to cleaner energy must take account of the different capacities, energy needs and development priorities of individual countries.
He noted that Ghana’s petroleum sector remained important to the economy, contributing to government revenue and foreign exchange earnings, while supporting electricity generation and the supply of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for cooking.
He therefore argued that the transition must be carefully managed to avoid undermining economic stability, energy affordability and national development.
The Foreign Affairs Minister invoked the principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC), arguing that countries should not be subjected to uniform transition timelines regardless of their circumstances.
He called for dedicated and accessible financing, including grants and concessional loans, as well as technology transfer and technical assistance to enable developing countries to move towards cleaner energy sources.
Mr Ablakwa also emphasised the need to protect workers and communities whose livelihoods could be affected by the transition, while safeguarding national sovereignty in determining energy policies and development pathways.
The meeting examined the need for a comprehensive international framework to guide the transition away from fossil fuels, against the backdrop of energy insecurity, volatile fuel prices and the growing effects of climate change.
Participants discussed the possibility of a coalition of countries taking the lead in advancing the proposed treaty, establishing common standards and building political momentum even without universal agreement.
Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister responsible for Health, Wellness, Environment and Civil Service, Sir Molwyn Joseph, highlighted the vulnerability of small island developing states to climate-related disasters despite their relatively low contribution to global emissions.
He called for a transition supported by adequate financing, technology and technical assistance, while Bahamas Minister for Foreign Affairs and Immigration, Fred Mitchell, stressed the need for reforms to the international financial architecture to help vulnerable countries build resilience and adapt to climate change.
Former Governor of the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago, Jwala Rambarran, also proposed the establishment of a Transition Financing Facility under the proposed treaty.
The proposed facility would provide grants and concessional financing, alongside mechanisms such as debt restructuring, disaster-related debt suspension, debt-for-climate swaps and investment guarantees.
The discussions form part of diplomatic efforts towards securing a negotiating mandate for the proposed treaty.
The next Conference on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels is scheduled to take place in Tuvalu in July 2027, following the inaugural conference held in Santa Marta, Colombia, in April 2026.
