Accra: Mr. Michael Kpakpo Allotey, Chief Executive Officer of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), has called on young people to actively oppose littering and refuse dumping into drains as a measure to combat flooding in Accra. He emphasized the importance of youth-led creativity in designing climate-smart solutions to address persistent climate challenges.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Allotey, in a speech delivered at the Climate Summit in Accra, praised the youth as pivotal change-makers who grasp the critical nature of climate issues. He highlighted their role in education and advocacy, aligning his support with their initiatives. "As a Mayor, I see your innovation; I hear you educate and demand answers. I stand with you because climate change is not distant from us. It is here in our flooded streets, in our erratic rainfall, in the heat waves in our markets, homes and classrooms," he stated.
The summit, organized by the Climate Youth Advocates Network in collaboration with AMA, marked the June 3, 2015, flood and fire tragedy at the Goil Filling Station at Kwame Nkrumah Circle in Accra, which resulted in over 150 fatalities and numerous injuries. The event aimed to promote efficient waste segregation and disposal while advancing the Accra Climate Action Plan.
Mr. Allotey urged the public to perceive June 3 not just as a day of mourning but as a catalyst for action, highlighting that each statistic represents a human life. He remarked, "That night was more than a natural disaster; it was a sad moment of inaction in the face of environmental challenges. It was a tragedy not only caused by rain but by blocked gutters, poor planning, and years of ignoring climate crises. Today, I stand before you to recommit Accra to building a greener, safer, and more resilient future."
He further stressed the necessity of collective action to address climate challenges, mentioning ongoing city initiatives such as decongestion measures to improve waste disposal, green infrastructure projects under the Mayor's Green Special Initiative, and enhanced sanitation and waste management policies to prevent another disaster like that of June 3.
The Accra Climate Action Plan, devised by AMA, is an all-encompassing strategy to tackle climate change effects and aim for a carbon-neutral city by 2050. It seeks to cut down greenhouse gas emissions, adapt to climate impacts, and improve residents' living standards, in line with the Paris Agreement and Ghana's Sustainable Development Goals.
The Climate Summit featured a drama on waste segregation, recycling, and the perils of indiscriminate dumping, attended by city authorities, youth groups, and students from various local schools. Mr. Ben-Smith Afful, Project Lead for Youth Climate Action Fund Phase II, highlighted efforts to raise climate awareness and educate youth on waste segregation, announcing forthcoming outreach activities in schools, churches, markets, and Unit Committee meetings.
Mr. Musah Ziyad, Presiding Member of AMA, noted the ongoing decongestion efforts aimed at managing water flow, preventing floods, and maintaining a clean Central Business District. He stressed the importance of instilling waste management habits in the younger generation, stating that the problem lies not in policy but in non-compliance with laws. "At AMA, we believe in educating the younger generation. Once waste management becomes a habit, it becomes routine. That is why we are involving the youth in Climate Change Action," he concluded.