By Albert Allotey
Accra, Aug. 27, GNA – The C40 Cities in collaboration with the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), and DTT Energy Ghana Limited has launched the AMA Energy Efficiency Campaign to change behaviours and build capacity of the Assembly staff towards energy saving.
The campaign is a pilot project on “Light Up Smart” and “Power Down, Power Up Accra!”
It is to build the capacity of the AMA staff to champion the energy-saving campaign in the city of Accra to make the initiative simple, memorable, and visible to everyone, and the core message is every action accounts.
Mr. Lawrence Musey from DTT Energy Ghana Limited and the Consultant of the pilot project in an interview with the Ghana News Agency said, “Our analysis showed that much of City Hall’s energy use comes from a lack of awareness and inconsistent behaviours.
“Our programme therefore emphasizes changing behaviours and building capacity. This isn’t just about installing new equipment; it’s about empowering people to be part of the solution.”
Mr Musey said the success of the initiative would depend on monitoring and evaluation framework they have established.
“We are collecting baseline data and will continuously monitor consumption while measuring financial savings and GHG emissions reductions. We’re also developing innovative virtual training modules and establishing ‘Energy Champions’ within the organization,” he stated.
The Consultant said, “These tools and processes can easily be adapted to different building types and diverse audiences, enabling us to replicate the programme’s success and accelerate the city’s overall climate goals.”
Mr. Evans Asamoah, the C40 Focal Person in Accra said the launch marked a major milestone not just for Accra but for the entire C40 network.
He said, “Accra’s Climate Action Plan aligns with the goals of the Paris Agreement, and this campaign is a clear example of turning that plan into tangible action.
“By focusing on a critical area like municipal buildings, Accra demonstrates its commitment to climate leadership and sets an inspiring example for other cities, especially those in the Global South.”
Mr Asamoah said the lessons, data, and best practices from the pilot project would be shared across the global network of cities.
“For example, the innovative use of virtual training and the ‘Energy Champion’ model can be adopted by cities from Lagos to Jakarta to Mexico City and that this peer-to-peer exchange is core to C40’s mission – we accelerate global climate action by helping cities learn from each other’s successes,” he stated.
He noted that a successful and measurable reduction in emissions and energy use at the City Hall would demonstrate Accra’s ability to fulfil its climate commitments.
“This enhances the city’s credibility and opens further opportunities for international partnerships and green finance. It positions Accra as a leading city for smart, scalable, and equitable climate solutions, and reinforces our shared belief that city-led climate action is essential to building a healthier, more resilient future for everyone,” he stated.
Mr Michael Kpakpo Allotey, the Chief Executive of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly said the launch of the campaign would empower the Assembly staff to champion the energy efficiency.
“By making small, daily changes – like turning off lights, adjusting air conditioning, and shutting down equipment – we can collectively make a huge impact on our operational costs and, most importantly, our carbon footprint,” he pointed out.
He said, “This is a strategic pilot for a city-wide initiative. We’re starting here because we believe our flagship building must set the standard. We’ll be using smart meters and other data-driven tools to demonstrate a reduction in our energy use and utility costs.
“The lessons learnt will help us develop a scalable model for other public institutions, including schools and hospitals, and eventually the entire Accra Metropolis. This project is an important step toward meeting the objectives outlined in our Accra Climate Action Plan.”
GNA
Edited by George-Ramsey Benamba