Ghana eyes share of $261m climate fund

One of the country’s leading climate advocates, Dr Samuel Dotse, is actively positioning the country to benefit from a $261 million global climate fund, as he participates in the 69th Global Environment Facility (GEF) Council Meeting in Washington, D.C.

Dr Dotse, who serves as the CEO of the HATOF Foundation and is a Laureate of Distinction in Climate Change, is using his presence at the high-level event to advocate for increased climate financing, deepen global partnerships, and secure support for transformative environmental initiatives in Ghana.

Invited by GEF CEO and Chairperson Carlos, Manuel Rodriguez, Dr Dotse is representing Ghana at a pivotal moment when the GEF is allocating substantial funding to biodiversity conservation, pollution control, and locally led environmental actions.

Of the total $261 million under discussion, $195 million will go towards projects aimed at eliminating harmful substances in cosmetics and industrial processes, enhancing cooperation on international waterways, and supporting grassroots environmental efforts, including microfinance initiatives.

In addition to the Council meeting, Dr Dotse will speak at the Climate Investment Funds (CIF) 2025 Observer Onboarding Workshop hosted by the World Bank.

There, he is expected to share key insights on improving transparency in the governance of multilateral climate funds and highlight the important role observers play in holding institutions accountable.

He will also hold a series of high-level bilateral engagements with the Adaptation Fund Secretariat, CIF leadership, multilateral entities, and development partners.

These meetings aim to secure dedicated support for climate resilience, biodiversity protection, and sustainable land use initiatives in Ghana—areas identified as critical for the country’s long-term environmental and socio-economic sustainability.

Dr Dotse’s participation is seen as timely, as the GEF Council aligns its funding mechanisms with shifting global environmental priorities, while reviewing the implementation of key international conventions.

His efforts may also help the nation access future opportunities through the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF), which is currently considering $26 million in grants to expand biodiversity protection and community well-being programs in developing nations. Ghana has not yet benefited from this fund.