Ghana's GIIF plans Volta Lake corridor as low-carbon industrial hub, seeks GCF climate finance

Ghana's Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF) is exploring a plan to develop the Volta Lake corridor into a net-zero economic zone. The idea is to connect northern and southern Ghana, improve trade access for landlocked Sahelian countries, and attract investment in solar power, water transport, agro-processing, light manufacturing, and climate-smart farming. GIIF also wants to use the lake more for freight to cut road emissions. A key enabler is GIIF's recent accreditation as a Direct Access Entity of the Green Climate Fund. That lets the fund submit climate investment proposals directly, without international intermediaries, and tap grants and concessional financing. GIIF says it will use a Green Project Preparation Facility to turn the corridor concept into bankable projects. The plan also includes alternative livelihoods for communities tied to mangrove degradation, with aquaculture mentioned as one option.