President John Dramani Mahama has called on developed nations to honour their climate finance commitments, stressing that Africa continued to bear the brunt of climate change despite contributing the least to its causes.

Speaking at a press briefing during the visit of German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Mahama highlighted the continent’s growing environmental challenges — from desertification and erratic rainfall to flooding, bushfires, and tidal waves that were eroding coastal communities.

“Africa is in a peculiar situation because we are suffering some of the most adverse effects of climate change,” he said.

“The Sahara is expanding, rains have become unpredictable, and our coastal towns are being washed away. Yet, we contributed the least to the situation we face.”

Mahama emphasised that Africa lacked the financial capacity to close the existing climate funding gaps on its own.

He criticised the persistent failure of wealthier nations, particularly those in the Global North, to deliver on pledges made at successive UN Climate Change Conferences (COP).

“We go to COP, pledges are made, but unfortunately we’re very short on delivery,” he noted.

“We will continue to advocate that the countries which have been the biggest polluters must step forward and put the cash up front so that everyone can draw from that fund to address the adverse effects we face.”

The president’s remarks come amid renewed global discussions about climate justice and the urgent need for equitable funding mechanisms to support vulnerable nations in adapting to and mitigating climate change.