By MAHMUD MOHAMMED-NURUDEEN
The Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) has announced that President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, is now a member of its Board, joining other world leaders like the Presidents of Kenya, Tanzania, the Marshall Islands, and the Prime Minister of Barbados, who are all working to make climate adaptation a key part of development and economic growth.
Mr. Mahama’s role comes as GCA increases its climate work in Africa through the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program, which has helped bring over $15 billion for climate projects in 40 countries. With its new office in Nairobi, GCA is also focusing on local action in farming, strong infrastructure, youth jobs, and climate funding.
President Mahama and other Board members will help ensure climate adaptation is seen as a way to create jobs, improve lives, and grow economies.
Mr. Mahama said he feels honored to join the Global Center on Adaptation and promised to help raise the voices of African leaders and communities who are calling for more support and funding for climate adaptation.
He added that the world must understand that climate adaptation is not optional for Africa; it is a must, since the continent suffers the most from climate change but contributes the least to causing it.
“To our development partners: Africa’s adaptation ambitions require your steadfast support,” he said.
The president called for increase financing, better access to climate-friendly technology, and stronger teamwork to help vulnerable countries become more resilient to climate change.
“The time for pledges has passed; the time for delivery is now. Together, we can safeguard Africa’s future and ensure that climate justice becomes a cornerstone of global solidarity.”
Chair of the Global Center on Adaptation, Macky Sall, said President Mahama’s return to leadership comes at an important time for Africa and the world adding that, Mr. Mahama’s strong experience, dedication to sustainable development, and ability to make real change will greatly benefit the GCA Board.
“Together, we will work to elevate adaptation as an economic and moral imperative, ensuring that Africa’s leadership lights the path toward a more resilient future for all.”
President and CEO of GCA, Professor Patrick Verkooijen said President Mahama is a good example of how strong political leadership and well-planned national strategies can speed up climate adaptation.
“His holistic approach combining finance innovation, agricultural resilience, youth engagement, and governance reform will elevate our Board’s ability to translate global ambition into local impact, especially in Africa.”
The Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) said with President Mahama’s leadership and support from other current and former world leaders, it will help protect development in Africa and beyond from climate risks.
The GCA is an international group that helps countries adapt to the effects of climate change and pushes for better climate policies and guides how banks and businesses invest, making sure climate adaptation is a key part of development plans around the world.
Started in 2018, GCA uses new ideas to fight climate change and operates from the world’s biggest floating office in Rotterdam, Netherlands. It also has offices in Côte d’Ivoire, Bangladesh, and China and plans to open one in Nairobi, Kenya in 2025.
