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The implementation of the innovative climate cooperation agreement signed between Ghana and Switzerland under Article Six of the Paris Agreement will take off in the first quarter of 2022.
The bilateral cooperation agreement scheduled to be implemented over 10 years will begin with the implementation of a national program for access to clean energy in solar and improved homes.
The Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Kweku Afriyie, revealed it during a press conference in Accra organized by the Swiss Embassy during the working visit by Madame Simonetta Sommaruga, Federal Councilor of Switzerland.
Ghana is the first African country and the second in the world to sign an agreement under Article Six of the Paris Agreement, which allows two countries to work together to meet their emission reduction targets as part of their national climate plans.
The minister mentioned that under the agreement, a total emission reduction of 2.0 tonnes of carbon dioxide would be sold to the Swiss government.
He noted that an amount estimated at US $ 20 million would have to be paid by Switzerland in exchange for the emission reductions that would serve as carbon offsets.
Dr Afriyie said that through the deal, the country would benefit from technology transfer in solar energy, clean cooking ovens, forest preservation and job creation.
The bilateral agreement, he said, would also encourage the private sector to help achieve the 10% renewable energy target.
He said that as part of the deal, a multisectoral national steering committee has been set up to provide the oversight needed to implement the deal.
Dr Afriyie noted that a technical working group was formed to support the consultant in the development of mitigation activities.
He said a consultant had been recruited and was leading the development of the mitigation design document for Ghana’s National Energy Access Program (NCEP), which would serve as an operational instrument for the agreement.
Ms. Sommaruga noted that climate change and its adverse effects do not need borders, hence the need for the world to act to protect the environment.
She said the two countries are using a bilateral partnership to advance the course of international climate negotiations.
Ms Sommaruga said the deal was a win-win for both countries, explaining that Ghana had an interest in generating additional investments in climate protection while Switzerland was keen to help Ghana reduce its emissions.
The adviser said the deal would allow Switzerland to contribute more to climate protection beyond national measures and that working side by side with Ghana and in cooperation with the private sector would help create jobs and protect the climate.
She noted that the new partnership would enable the adoption of green, low-carbon technology solutions across the country, resulting in a plethora of social and environmental benefits.
Ms. Sommaruga said that the NCEP would benefit up to five million homes through technologies such as improved stoves and solar photovoltaic installations.
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