A National Roster of Experts on Climate Negotiations to strengthen the country’s technical capacity, coordination, and influence in global climate discussions has been launched in Accra by the Chief Executive Officer of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Professor Nana Ama Browne Klutse.

The initiative, by the EPA in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI), seeks to develop a pool of skilled negotiators to effectively represent the country at international climate forums.

Addressing the gathering in Accra on Wednesday, Professor Klutse said the roster would institutionalise a national mechanism for identifying, training, and deploying Ghanaian experts to key climate negotiations.

“Climate change is not merely an environmental issue. It is a matter of national development, national security, and justice,” she stated.

Professor Klutse explained that Ghana’s limited pool of trained negotiators had long posed challenges to the country’s participation in global climate talks.

The new roster, she noted, would help ensure that Ghana moves from “ad hoc participation to structured representation” through a system that nurtures technical expertise, promotes gender balance, and builds a pipeline of future leaders in climate diplomacy.

“For Ghana, effective climate negotiation is about ensuring that the voices of our people — from farmers in the north to communities in the south — are heard and acted upon on the global stage,” the CEO added.

German Ambassador to Ghana, Mr Frederik Landshöft, commended the initiative as a “tool of technical and legal expertise” that would enhance Ghana’s influence in global climate negotiations.

Recalling his experience at the COP27 summit in Egypt, he observed that turning ambition into agreement requires “expertise, coordination, and courage.”

“Expertise is only as powerful as its application,” Mr Landshöft said, urging that the roster remain an active, inclusive, and dynamic instrument for shaping policy and mentoring future negotiators.

“Ghana’s leadership is clear. You are building confidence, credibility, and coherence in your international climate engagement,” he added.

Representing the MESTI, Chief Director Ms Suweibatu Adam commended the EPA for spearheading the project. She said the initiative would ensure that Ghana “speaks with one informed, unified, and credible voice” at global climate fora, particularly as the world prepares for COP30 in Brazil next year.