In an effort to reduce the depleting ozone layer and the impact of climate change, the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly, with support from the Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa (CoM SSA), has held community engagements in each of the three (3) Sub-Metropolitan District Councils to share with the public highlights of Sustainable Energy Access and Climate Action Plans (SEACAP) for the Metropolitan Area, developed by a consultant, PSS Urbania. The program's Focal Person, Alhaji Abu Mahama, noted that the SEACAP document covers strategies, plans, and actions for a sustainable and low-emission development pathway. He added that the plan covers three pillars: climate adaptation, climate mitigation, and access to sustainable energy. Mr. Abu indicated that the document aims to translate long-term climate goals into actionable measures with assigned responsibilities and time frames.

Speaking on the SEACAP process in Sekondi-Takoradi, Alhaji Abu Mahama noted that the STMA signed to join CoMM SAA in October 2023, established the Project Management Committee with representatives from relevant departments in November, held the first public engagement with over 100 stakeholders in January 2024, and engaged the Consultant, PSS Urbania in June, to conduct a desktop review of all existing climate change data, and consult with key stakeholders. The community engagements were, therefore, to share highlights of the work by the consultant and receive feedback from the stakeholders, he said. Ing. Marina Agatimevor, with CoMM SSA, shared insights on energy access. She mentioned that many residents remain hesitant to adopt gas due to perceived risks according to the plan. She added that the plan suggests continuous education to guide these individuals towards climate resilience.

Ing. Agatimevor further pointed out that only 1% of Sekondi-Takoradi residents utilize solar energy, primarily due to costs. To address this, she indicated an intervention to support organizations and households to go solar for flexible payment options, starting with selected buildings for STMA. Ing. Michael Dzisi, Head of the Urban Roads Department, and Kingsley Nunoo, the Metro Budget Analyst, led the discussions on the climate adaptation and mitigation pillars, which aim to reduce emissions or enhance the sinks of greenhouse gases, prevent or minimize the damage the impacts of climate change can cause, and take advantage of opportunities that may arise. The Assembly plans to extend the engagements to religious places of worship, schools and companies to continue fostering collaboration and stakeholder involvement.

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