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 envisaged to be implemented over 10 years will begin with the implementation of a National Clean Energy Access Programme in Solar and improved Cookstoves.

The Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Kweku Afriyie, disclosed this at a press conference in Accra organised by the Embassy of Switzerland during the working visit of Madam Simonetta Sommaruga, Federal Councillor of Switzerland.

Ghana is the first African country and second in the world to have signed a deal in line with Article six of the Paris Agreement, which allows two countries to collaborate to meet their emissions-reduction targets under their national climate plans.

The Minister mentioned that under the agreement, a total emission reduction of 2.0 Metric tons of carbon dioxide would be sold to the government of Switzerland.

He noted that an estimated amount of US$20million was expected to be paid by Switzerland in return for the emission reductions that would serve as carbon offsets.

Dr Afriyie stated that through the agreement, the country would receive technology transfer in the area of solar energy, clean cooking stoves, save the forest and create jobs.

The bilateral agreement, he said, would also provide an incentive for the private sector to contribute to the achievement of the 10 percent Renewable Energy Target.

He said, as part of the agreement, a national multi-sectoral steering committee was set up to provide the necessary oversight for the implementation of the agreement.

Dr Afriyie noted that a technical working group was constituted to support the consultant in the development of the mitigation activities.

He said a consultant had been recruited and was leading the development of the Mitigation Activity Design Document for Ghana’s National Energy Access Programme (NCEP), which would serve as the operational instrument for the agreement.

Madam Sommaruga noted that climate change and its adverse effects needed no borders hence the need for the world to act to protect the environment.

She stated that the two countries were using a bilateral partnership to advance the course of international climate negotiation.

Madam Sommaruga said the agreement was a win-win for the two countries, explaining that Ghana had an interest in generating additional investment in climate protection while Switzerland desired to support Ghana to reduce emissions.

The Councillor said the agreement would allow Switzerland to make a greater contribution towards 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 and low carbon technology solutions across the country resulting in a plethora of social and environmental benefits.

Madam Sommaruga said the NCEP would benefit up to five million households through technologies like improved cookstoves and solar PV installations.