The training, to be jointly organised by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), in collaboration with the Tropical Biology Association will showcase real-world solutions and offer participants the opportunity to participate in field visits to selected projects.

A statement, copied to the Ghana News Agency said the training would foster stronger collaboration and learning among African nations in the effective utilization of GEF resources

The initiative will directly support OFPs from countries in Western Africa, including Ghana, Togo, Nigeria, Sao Tome Principe, Guinea Bissau, Guinea, Liberia, Cabo Verdie, Cameroon, Gambia, Sierra Leone, Cote D’Ivoire and Benin.

It said the training was part of the GEF’s broader strategy to ensure greater impact, transparency, and accountability in the implementation of projects across its partner countries.

Since its establishment in 1991, the statement said GEF had disbursed US$6.2 billion in Africa, supporting more than 1,800 projects, focused on pursuing goals in biodiversity, climate change, land degradation, and sustainable development.

It quoted Mr Carlos Manuel Rodríguez, Chief Executive Officers, and Chairperson of the GEF as saying “This initiative strengthens the Operational Focal Points’ project oversight and monitoring capacity, enabling them to take greater ownership of their portfolios and maximize the impact of GEF resources.”

“We believe that by investing in the capacity of our partners, we can drive impactful environmental outcomes that benefit both people and nature. By fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing through training activities and field visits, we create an opportunity for these focal points to learn from one another and optimize the management of GEF-funded projects.”

The event brings together environmental leaders, policymakers, and project managers, and is expected to foster stronger collaboration and learning among African nations in the effective utilization of GEF resources.

Dr Peter Justice Derry, the Operational Focal Person for Ghana, reiterated, “I am optimistic that the discussions will shape the policies and actions that determine how we achieve environmental sustainability with GEF resources.

“We must work collectively – government, private sector, civil society and academia, to ensure that the decision-making processes in GEF reflect national priorities critical in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), national climate targets, Global Biodiversity Framework targets, and the aspirations of “the Ghana we want” and in general the Africa We Want under the African Union Agenda 2063.”

He said Ghana’s role as host for the workshop underscored the country’s commitment to environmental sustainability and its active participation in global efforts to address environmental challenges.

The workshop will feature key sessions on best practices in project oversight, ensuring greater financial accountability, and strategic alignment with national priorities.