Ghana has become the first African government to host a technical workshop on solar radiation modification (SRM), as policymakers seek a deeper understanding of the topic.
The high-level convening, held in Accra on 1 April 2026, was organised by the Office of the Minister of State for Climate Change and Sustainability (OMCCS) in partnership with the Degrees Initiative and the Africa Climate Intervention Research Hub (ACIRH). The event brought together senior Ghanaian technocrats and SRM researchers from across Africa to explore the potential regional implications of SRM.
Ghanaian officials acknowledged that SRM is controversial and comes with many uncertainties, but stressed that climate-vulnerable nations must understand the science to engage constructively in future global discussions. Conversations were guided by a clear emphasis on a ‘learning-first’ approach and were not intended to develop or endorse any SRM policy position.
Leading with research
A central theme of the workshop was the importance of research. Opening the event, Honourable Minister Seidu Issifu, First Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability, noted that while emissions reductions remain the priority, the “deeply concerning” global climate gap makes it vital for Ghana to build its own evidence base on climate interventions.
“We need to be informed and prepared to undertake responsible trans-disciplinary research. Better to get involved, understand by leveraging research findings, and participate in a governance framework from an informed position.”
African scientific expertise
The workshop featured a strong presence from Degrees-funded researchers from across the continent who shared their expertise on the science and governance of SRM. These experts helped facilitate discussions on how these technologies might intersect with regional priorities, including agriculture and health.
Contributing researchers were:
- Dr Portia Adade-Williams (CSIR, Ghana)
- Dr Francis Nkrumah (University of Cape Coast, Ghana)
- Prof. Franklin Opijah (University of Nairobi, Kenya)
- Dr Chris Lennard (University of Cape Town, South Africa)
- Dr Victor Ongoma (Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, Morocco)
- Prof. Vincent Ajayi (Federal University of Technology Akure, Nigeria)
- Dr Abdoulaye Ballo (IPR/IFRA, Mali)
- Ms Trisha Patel (University of Cape Town, South Africa)
Dr Portia Adade-Williams noted that: “Ghana and Africa must engage early,” and that “the who and how in SRM is critical”.
“SRM technology, if it is ever used, does not take the place of mitigation and adaptation. It complements our current strategies; we shouldn’t look at it as coming to destroy us. But first, we must understand its prospects: how will it harm us or help us?”
What’s next?
This convening marks the start of a broader journey for Ghana’s engagement with SRM. Following the workshop’s success, the insights gathered will help support the development of a roadmap for future engagement. This meeting serves as an important pilot for shared learning, ensuring that as the country continues to evaluate its position in regional and global climate dialogues, it does so informed by the latest evidence generated by African experts.
