By Edward Dankwah
Accra, Aug. 6, GNA – Grassroots women in the Volta Region are leading Ghana’s transition towards a more sustainable future, by transforming coconut husks into affordable and environmentally friendly briquettes, demonstrating how community-led initiatives could drive economic empowerment and local development.
The initiative, being implemented at Wusuta in the North Dayi District, in the Volta Region, highlighted the critical role women played in advancing Ghana’s development priorities, strengthening communities, promoting inclusion and accelerating progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
A statement issued to the Ghana News Agency, said supported by the Africa Just Transition Network (AJTN) and the Renewable Energy for Communities Coalition (RE4CC), with EcoClub 360 as one of its key members, the project was creating new livelihood opportunities for women while promoting clean and sustainable energy alternatives.
It said representing EcoClub 360 at the programme was the organisation’s Founder and Executive Director, Ms Patience Ahiabor, who joined other partners in supporting the community-driven intervention aimed at empowering women and enhancing local resilience.
“Beyond providing an alternative source of energy, the initiative is equipping women with practical skills and economic opportunities that enable them to generate sustainable incomes and reduce dependence on conventional fuels,” the statement added.
The statement said the project also contributed to environmental conservation by converting agricultural waste into useful energy products.
It stressed that empowering grassroots women extended beyond creating livelihoods, but was about building local capacity, fostering inclusive development and ensuring that communities actively participated in shaping Ghana’s sustainable future.
It said the women involved in the briquette production initiative were not only producing clean energy but also creating hope for their families and communities.
The statement said their efforts underscored the importance of locally led climate solutions in addressing environmental challenges and strengthening community resilience.
The stakeholders emphasised that Ghana’s transition to a sustainable future must be inclusive and ensure that grassroots communities, particularly women, were not left behind.
They noted that when women are provided with the necessary knowledge, resources and opportunities, they become drivers of development, innovators and champions of environmental sustainability.
The initiative serves as a testament to the principle that a just transition could only be achieved when every segment of society was empowered to contribute to national development, paving the way for stronger communities, a healthier environment and a sustainable future for Ghana.
GNA
Edited by Laudia Anyorkor Nunoo/ Christabel Addo