Ghanaian cyclist and climate advocate James Kumbeni is set to take his campaign for climate action, clean air and sustainable transportation to the international stage after receiving sponsorship from Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, to participate in the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Türkiye.
Kumbeni, a native of Baare in the Talensi District of the Upper East Region, announced the sponsorship in a statement, describing the opportunity to attend the global climate summit in Antalya as a dream come true after more than five years of using cycling to promote environmental sustainability.
He credited the Speaker’s intervention for making his participation possible, saying the gesture represented recognition of grassroots advocacy and the contribution ordinary citizens could make to the global climate conversation.
The cyclist said he was particularly grateful that Mr Bagbin had chosen to support a young Ghanaian who had dedicated years to promoting climate action through cycling.
He also acknowledged the contributions of Prof. Damasus Tuurosung, Executive Secretary to the Office of the Speaker; Ing. Dr. JohnBosco A. K. Ansuura, Deputy Director in charge of Cybersecurity at Parliament; and other aides of the Speaker for facilitating the arrangements.
Kumbeni’s participation comes at a critical point in Ghana’s climate change journey, as the country prepares to advance its environmental priorities and negotiate for stronger international support at COP31.
Ghana’s engagement in the global climate process has increasingly focused on securing climate finance, strengthening adaptation measures, promoting clean energy and ensuring that vulnerable communities receive support to address the effects of climate change.
At COP30 in Belém, Brazil, in November 2025, Ghana played a prominent role in advancing Africa’s climate interests, particularly on loss and damage financing, adaptation and technology transfer.
The country also assumed the chairmanship of the African Group of Negotiators, strengthening its position in shaping the continent’s collective climate agenda.
Ghana’s delegation, led by then Acting Environment Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, also called for stronger international partnerships and predictable climate financing to support Africa’s transition towards clean and sustainable energy.
Ahead of COP31, Ghana has further outlined its climate ambitions through an updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) framework covering 2025 to 2035.
The country estimates that it will require approximately US$53.3 billion to implement the 10-year climate action plan, which targets emissions reductions and improved climate resilience across energy, transport, agriculture, forestry, industry, water and health.
Ghana’s 14-member negotiating team is expected to advance national and African interests at COP31, with particular attention to climate finance, adaptation, technology transfer, agriculture and energy transition.
The Environmental Protection Authority has also unveiled the Black Star Agenda, Ghana’s climate negotiation position, to guide the country’s engagement at the conference.
Against this national backdrop, Kumbeni’s advocacy offers a citizen-led perspective on the importance of sustainable transportation and practical climate action.
Over the past five years, he has undertaken several cycling expeditions to draw attention to environmental protection and the need to reduce dependence on fossil-fuel-powered transportation.
One of his notable campaigns was an 815-kilometre cycling expedition from Bolgatanga to Accra in April 2024, during which he advocated clean air, safer cycling and the provision of dedicated bicycle lanes.
In 2026, he also joined fellow cyclist Kingsley Akwasi Ampong Adu on an international expedition covering approximately 1,497 kilometres through Ghana, Togo and Benin to promote climate action and health awareness.
The cyclists estimated that their expedition helped avoid more than 812 kilogrammes of carbon dioxide emissions compared with travelling the same distance by car.
Kumbeni has consistently argued that cycling should be recognised as an environmentally sustainable transportation option and supported through appropriate road infrastructure and public policy.
His participation in COP31, scheduled for November 9 to 20 in Antalya, Türkiye, will provide an opportunity to share these experiences, engage international climate advocates and contribute grassroots perspectives to discussions on sustainable mobility and environmental protection.
The United Nations climate conference brings together governments, policymakers, scientists, civil society organisations, young people and other stakeholders to advance global cooperation on climate change.
For Kumbeni, however, the journey to Antalya carries a significance beyond personal achievement.
From the streets of Bolgatanga to Accra and across West African borders, his bicycle has become a platform for advocating environmental responsibility.
With Speaker Bagbin’s support, that campaign is now gaining access to a global platform, reinforcing the importance of recognising and supporting citizen-led initiatives in Ghana’s broader climate change response.
“I ride for the climate. I ride for clean air. I ride for a sustainable future,” he said.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
