As a policy advisor for Ghana, a combined strategy centered on A: Highlighting Natural Capital for Climate Finance, supported by B: Coordinate with Regional and Global blocs and D: Advocate for loss and damage fund, will be most effective in enhancing access to climate finance and at the same time increase international leverage.
Equity:
Ghana has the opportunity of using their forests, wetlands and mangrove ecosystems especially along the coastal and forest regions to draw climatic finance using REDD + and nature based solutions that are specifically directed to at risk communities. This approach would mean that the most impacted communities by climate changes receive the funds, namely the fishermen along the coasts, the communities reliant on forests, and the households of small and medium-sized farmers. Incorporation of community engagement and a benefit-sharing system would contribute to the reduction of the historical disparities and the enhancement of climate justice.
Efficiency:
Natural capital frameworks like REDD+ can enable Ghana to receive structured and results-based funding that puts an emphasis on transparency and monitoring as well as measurable results. Co-ordinating with the regional blocs such as ECOWAS and African Group of Negotiators will eliminate duplication of efforts, enhance bargaining power and facilitate the easy access to funds. This communal strategy also enhances institutional learning and discourages mismanagement on account of similar criteria and responsibility.
Sustainability:
Climate finance in environmental protection and restoration helps achieve long-term environmental resilience through the preservation of carbon sinks and biodiversity and livelihoods sustainability. This should be supplemented with a loss and damage finance advocacy to make sure that Ghana is not merely adjusting to the future risks but also dealing with irreversible climate damages that are already taking place. All of these plans will facilitate a balance between environmental protection, economic growth, and economic financial sustainability and will make Ghana not only a good steward of natural resources but also a powerful advocate of climate negotiations worldwide.