By Mildred Siabi-Mensah
Takoradi, July 28, GNA – The Friends of the Nation (FoN) has demonstrated how green climate solutions in three districts in the Western Region can build climate resilience, support energy transition, and promote environmental justice.
The project also built the capacity of local governments and communities on gender-responsive climate change adaptation measures.
The initiative includes polycarbonate roofing at Esiama Basic school, a fishpond fencing in Ellembelle and a climate education resource guide at Shama.
Mr. Solomon Kusi Ampofo, the Programmes Coordinator, FON, told participants at a stakeholder meeting that installation of the polycarbonate sheets at the Esiama Basic School in December 2025 showed a better alternative, a naturally lit environment and climate smart responsiveness.
He reported that many basic schools in Ellembelle had poor roofing with old aluminium sheets and weak wooden frames.
There was also a high running cost as schools relied on electricity to compensate for the gaps raising energy bills and burdening schools without reliable power, Mr Ampofo added.
“With the new weatherproof polycarbonate roofing sheets, he that explained leakages from rains were stopped, stressing that the new technology was durable, long lasting more that the old aluminium sheet thereby reducing long- term maintenance needs.
On the fishpond wire mesh fencing project, also at Ellembelle, he said, it was a low-cost livelihood model that recognised fish farming as an important source of income and food for families in the area especially for women.
“But, every year, during raining season, flooding breaks fishpond walls and sweeps the fish away with years of work and entire investment lost,” he said.
Mr Ampofo said the Ellembelle fish farmers had done nothing to cause climate change but suffered the consequences every rainy season.
However, a simple and affordable wire mesh supplied to fish farmers recorded zero fish loss.
Overtime, the wire mesh rusted in wet salty conditions near the coast and so needed replacement, for which, the farmers had independently switched to rubber mesh, which lasted longer.
“This is now recommended standard for new installations and it’s the best community ownership,” he remarked.
Mr. William Augustine-Derkyi, the FON Project Officer, added that the initiatives hoped to stimulate peer learning exchange and showcase practical gender-just, climate-resilient green solutions such as solar energy systems, greenhouse school farms, climate-friendly sanitation facilities, and polycarbonate roofing systems.
GNA
Edited by Justina Hilda Paaga/Benjamin Mensah
Reporter: Mildred Siabi-Mensah
Reporter’s email address: [email protected]