By Mildred Siabi-Mensah
Takoradi, July 16, GNA – Mr. Joseph Nelson, the Western Regional Minister, has launched the Nzema East Municipality Youth Climate Action Fund Programme and the Capacity Building for Youth on the Micro-Grant Application Process.
He said it was a responsibility as leaders to create the enabling environment for the citizens to transform ideas into practical solutions that benefited communities.
The Minister congratulated the Municipal Chief Executive, Mr Herbert Kuah Dickson and particularly the officers whose dedication and commitment culminated in the successful application that secured Nzema East Assembly participation in the global initiative.
Mr Nelson said: “This achievement reflects purposeful leadership and effective local governance and encourage the Assembly to continue exploring innovative partnerships and external funding opportunities to complement government efforts in advancing its development priorities.”
Mr. Nelson, therefore called on all Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies in the Region to emulate this example by proactively pursuing strategic partnerships that would enhance local development and improve upon service delivery.
He noted how Nzema East occupied an important place in the socio-economic landscape of the Region, but however said, “these opportunities, however, are increasingly being challenged by the realities of climate change.”
He indicated that Coastal erosion, flooding, environmental degradation, biodiversity loss, and waste management challenges continue to threaten livelihoods, infrastructure, food security, tourism assets, and the overall wellbeing of our communities, reinforcing an important policy imperative and sustainable development cannot be achieved without environmental sustainability.
Mr. Nelson said: “Climate resilience must therefore become an integral part of local development planning and implementation.
The active involvement of young people in this agenda is not optional—it is indispensable”.
He said across the world, young people continued to demonstrate remarkable creativity, innovation, and leadership in addressing environmental challenges.
He said it was against this backdrop that the Youth Climate Action Fund assumed particular significance.
Mr Nelson acknowledged the Bloomberg Philanthropies for the important investment in local governance, youth empowerment, and climate resilience.
The Bloomberg Philanthropies, he noted, has consistently supported cities around the world in advancing innovative solutions to pressing development challenges, and that the Youth Climate Action Fund demonstrates its confidence in the ability of local governments and young people to work together in addressing climate-related issues.
He said the successful implementation of the programme would require transparency, accountability, effective institutional coordination, meaningful youth participation, prudent financial management, and strict compliance with the programme’s reporting and governance requirements.
He encouraged the youth to approach the opportunity with commitment, creativity, integrity, and a strong sense of public service.
Mr. Herbert Kuah Dickson, the Municipal Chief Executive, said the launch marked the beginning of a renewed commitment placing youth at the very centre of climate action and sustainable development.
The Nzema East Municipal Assembly had been competitively selected among 300 cities in the world to benefit under the 2026–2027 Youth Climate Action Fund, supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies.
He described the opportunity as an important milestone in the Assembly’s efforts to position itself to attract strategic development partnerships and external funding opportunities.
From coastal erosion and flooding to the challenges of waste management and environmental degradation, these realities demand bold, inclusive, and forward-looking solutions.
The Youth Climate Action Project is a strategic investment in the ideas, energy, and leadership of the youth.
Through the initiative, young people would lead community sensitization efforts, drive lasting behavioural change, and implement practical solutions from clean-up exercises and waste segregation to environmental advocacy.
GNA
Edited by Justina Hilda Paaga/Benjamin Mensah
Reporter: Mildred Siabi-Mensah
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