The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), in partnership with Bloomberg Philanthropies and international collaborators, has launched the second phase of the Youth Climate Action Fund (YCAF), a global initiative aimed at empowering young people aged 15 to 24 to actively combat climate change. This initiative, launched in March 2025, underscores the growing recognition of the vital role youth play in addressing the climate crisis and the need to provide them with resources and platforms to implement their innovative solutions. The YCAF provides funding and support for youth-led projects that address climate change at the local level, fostering a sense of ownership and agency among young people in tackling this global challenge. With an additional $100,000 allocated to this second phase, the program is poised to expand its reach and impact, scaling up successful pilot projects and enabling more young people to contribute to climate action within the Accra metropolis.
The urgency of addressing climate change was emphasized by AMA Coordinating Director Mr. Douglas N.K. Annoful, who characterized it as one of the most critical challenges facing the world today. Mr. Annoful highlighted the tangible impacts of climate change already being experienced globally and within Accra, citing unpredictable weather patterns and rising sea levels as prime examples. This underscores the need for immediate and concerted action to mitigate these effects and build resilience within communities. The YCAF represents a proactive step towards addressing these challenges by empowering the next generation to develop and implement innovative solutions. By investing in youth-led initiatives, the AMA and its partners are not only addressing the immediate impacts of climate change but are also building long-term capacity for climate action within the community.
The YCAF initiative aligns with global efforts to engage youth in climate action and recognize their potential as agents of change. It reflects a growing understanding that young people are not only inheritors of the climate crisis but also possess the creativity, passion, and technological aptitude to develop and implement impactful solutions. By providing them with the necessary resources and support, the YCAF aims to unlock this potential and create a generation of climate leaders who can drive transformative change at the local, national, and global levels. The initiative also fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility among young people, empowering them to become active participants in shaping a sustainable future.
Complementing the YCAF launch, Nuumo Okassa Diaka II, a respected traditional leader in the Ga State’s Asere Abesse division and an officer at the AMA, issued a strong call to Jamestown residents to adopt responsible waste management practices. He highlighted the detrimental environmental and public health consequences of improper waste disposal, particularly the practice of dumping waste and human excreta into gutters. This practice, he warned, contributes to climate change and ultimately harms the community in the long run. Numo Okassa Diaka II’s intervention underscores the importance of community engagement and education in addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainable practices.
The traditional leader’s appeal extended beyond individual responsibility, addressing the systemic challenges hindering effective waste management. He criticized the tendency of political parties to intervene on behalf of offenders, a practice that undermines the rule of law and fosters a culture of impunity. This highlights the need for strong institutional frameworks and consistent enforcement of environmental regulations. Numo Okassa Diaka II’s statement emphasizes that effective waste management requires not only individual behavioral change but also robust institutional support and a commitment to holding all members of the community accountable for their actions.
Numo Okassa Diaka II’s call to action reinforces the interconnectedness of environmental issues and the need for a multi-pronged approach to address them. The improper disposal of waste not only contributes to pollution and health hazards but also exacerbates climate change, highlighting the need for integrated solutions. His intervention serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of community cooperation and responsible citizenship in maintaining a healthy environment. It emphasizes the role of traditional leaders and community figures in promoting environmental awareness and advocating for sustainable practices. By connecting individual actions to broader environmental and societal impacts, Nuumo Okassa Diaka II’s message resonates powerfully within the community and underscores the urgency of collective action.
