The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has approved 12 projects for funding under the Accra Youth Climate Action Fund (AYCAF) initiative.
This initiative aims to address environmental challenges while empowering the city’s youth.
A statement signed by Gilbert Ankrah, Head of Public Affairs at AMA, outlined that the AYCAF is designed to provide young people with the resources and support needed to develop and implement projects focused on environmental sustainability.
The AYCAF, launched in April 2024 by Metropolitan Chief Executive Elizabeth Naa Kwatsoe Tawiah Sackey, is supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies. It was created to encourage the youth of Accra to engage in climate mitigation efforts.
The 12 selected projects include initiatives such as Youth-Managed Recycling and Waste Reduction, Accra Community and Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) source separation in Jamestown, and Integrating Climate Change Education in local governance.
Other projects include the Plastic Footprint Reduction Project, Mangrove Restoration for Coastal Protection, Urban Greening, and Sustainable Climate Financing Initiatives.
Additional approved initiatives are the Green Future Awareness and Education Campaign, Project Ecomakola, Clean Accra and Separation of Waste, Green Ambassadors Programme, Empowering Youth in Climate Resilience and Climate Preparedness, and the Youth Eco Power project.
According to the statement, 31 applications were received, and 12 were selected after a rigorous evaluation process.
The projects were chosen based on their alignment with the objectives of the AYCAF initiative and the broader Accra Climate Action Plan (2021-2025).
The AMA has committed to supporting these youth-led projects as part of its efforts to build a resilient and sustainable urban environment, aligning with global climate goals and enhancing the quality of life for Accra’s residents.