The Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly under the second phase of the Sekondi-Takoradi Youth in Climate Action (SYCA) project, has awarded microgrants to 30 youth groups across the metropolis to support community-tailored climate resilience initiatives.
The initiative, made possible through a $100,000 grant from Bloomberg to support community-led efforts to build climate resilience across the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis.
This also forms part of the Assembly’s effort to meeting Sustainable Development Goal 13, which urges immediate action to combat climate change and its impacts.
Each youth group received between $2,000 and $3,500, depending on the scope and ambition of their proposed projects.
The grants are being used for practical, community driven solutions including tree planting, flood control, and waste management.
STMA Mayor Fredrick Faidoo speaking to journalists highlighted the importance of youth involvement in tackling one of the most pressing global threats of our time.
Hence, “30 youth groups to achieve more for the cause of building a climate-resilient city.” He said.
He added that “the involvement of our young people is not just commendable and essential. They are the changemakers of today and tomorrow, and their passion and ideas are exactly what we need.”
The selected groups represent a wide range of communities and were chosen based on the creativity, feasibility, and potential impact of their proposals.
Alhaji Abu Mahama, the focal person for the SYCA project, emphasized the urgent need for climate action, describing climate change as a global threat that requires concerted solutions driven by empowered youth.
“This initiative is not just about grants; it’s about investing in the future climate leaders of our city. The youth must be at the forefront of efforts to protect our environment and build climate-resilient communities,” he stated.
One of the grant recipients, Essipon Technical Institute, plans to use its funds to launch a climate change awareness campaign in its surrounding community.
“We want to educate people, especially the youth, about how climate change is already affecting our lives…,We’ll also be working on flood-control initiatives in some of the areas that are worst hit during the rainy season.” said Emmanuel Eshun, a project coordinator and a teacher.
