By Emmanuel Gamson/ Gladys Abakah
Sekondi (W/R), June 13, GNA-The Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA) has presented micro-grants to some youth groups to implement innovative climate mitigation and adaptation projects within the metropolis.
The grant formed part of the second phase of the ‘STMA Youth in Climate Action (SYCA) project, being implemented by the Assembly to empower the youth with resources to take innovative actions towards mitigating climate change within the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Area.
The SYCA is being funded through the Youth Climate Action Fund and powered by Bloomberg Philanthropies in partnership with the United Cities and Local Government, and the Bloomberg Centre for Public Innovation at Johns Hopkins.
The Fund is a resident engagement micro-grant programme that allows cities to call for proposals for youth-led organisations to co-create, design, govern and implement climate-resilient projects.
The first phase of the project was implemented last year with nine groups selected and awarded a cash amount ranging from $4,000 to $5,000.
For the second round, a total of 67 applications were received and screened by an evaluation panel after which 30 were selected as winners of the micro grants.
The groups were each awarded a cash amount ranging from $2,000 to $3,500 to implement their innovative climate mitigation and adaptation projects.
Mr Fredrick Faidoo, the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE), during the launch of the second phase and grant presentation ceremony, at Sekondi, said the SYCA project was a key strategy in the Assembly’s response to the realities of climate change such as rising temperatures, coastal erosion, increasing floods, and the rapid loss of green spaces in the Metropolis.
He said: “Our goal has been to cultivate a generation of change-makers who are not only climate-conscious, but also empowered as co-designers, co-creators, and co-governors of solution.”
He noted that the first phase of the project saw remarkable achievements including, setting up a plastic waste buy-back centre at Nkontompo, design and building of greenhouse gas monitoring devices, treatment of polluted water using water hyacinth, and training of 50 youth in climate-smart farming among other achievements.
The MCE congratulated the 30 successful applicants saying, “Your ideas represent more than innovation, they are lifelines for our communities and tangible actions towards a more sustainable Sekondi-Takoradi.”
Mr Faidoo urged them to implement their projects with dedication, discipline and a deep sense of purpose to inspire and bring transformation not only within the Metropolis, but across the nation.
Alhaji Abu Mahama, the Focal Person for the SYCA Project, said the project marked another bold and determined step by STMA towards addressing the climate crisis through meaningful youth engagement and grassroots-driven solutions.
“It is also a clear demonstration of the trust and confidence that Bloomberg Philanthropies has reposed in the youth of Sekondi-Takoradi, and in our ability as a local government to create enabling platforms for climate innovation and sustainability,” he said.
He expressed gratitude to Bloomberg Philanthropies and assured all stakeholders that STMA was fully committed to ensuring the successful, transparent, and impactful implementation of the project.
He said: “We shall work diligently to mobilise our youth, provide technical and institutional support, and ensure that the interventions funded under this programme deliver meaningful outcomes for climate action, local development and social transformation.”
Nana Barima Ekow Gyesa II, Chief of Fijai who chaired the launch, urged the grant winners to live up to expectations and use the grants solely for the intended purposes.
Some of the winners of the micro-grant in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), expressed gratitude to the STMA and its partners for their trust in them, and promised to utilize the funds to help address climate change challenges in the metropolis.
GNA
Edited by Justina Paaga/George-Ramsey Benamba