The quest to combat climate change in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis has propelled the Assembly to launch a project dubbed “Sekondi-Takoradi Youth in Climate Action” (SYCA), funded by the Bloomberg Philanthropies in partnership with United Cities and Local Governments and the Bloomberg Centre for Public Innovation at Johns Hopkins. As part of the project implementation, the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA) invited proposals from youth groups in the Metropolis to execute climate-related interventions in their communities. In a key-note address delivered by the Presiding Member, Hon. Eugene Fredua Ofori-Atta, on behalf of the Metro Chief Executive, he hinted that there was a need for strategic interventions to mitigate climate impact and develop adaptive measures to achieve a climate-resilient city. He observed that farmlands within the metropolis had been turned into residential plots due to

rapid urbanization, which has given rise to climate disturbances in the metropolis. “Climate Action is an effort to save our future, and the youth are the heralds of the future of our world. Let us, therefore, carry the badge as ambassadors of climate action wherever we find ourselves”, he said. He expressed sincere appreciation to the donors for supporting STMA and further admonished the beneficiaries to work assiduously to justify their inclusion in the next phase of the project. The Project Focal Person, Alhaji Abu Mahama, revealed that nine (9) Youth Groups were selected among fifteen (15) applicants by an evaluation to receive microgrants ranging from $1000-5,000 USD. The groups are Sapphire Youth Network, Evergreen Movement Band, Matpat Poultry Farm, Bompeh SHS Environmental Club, Fijai SHS Youth in Climate Action Club and AGICC Youth Ministry of the Assemblies of God.

The others are, the Global Sustainability Group, ECOWATCH and Ahantaman SHS (Royal Sanitation and Climate Change Ambassadors). The fund is a resident engagement micro-grant programme that allows cities to call for proposals for youth-led organisations to co-create, co-design, co-govern and implement climate-resilient projects. It also encourages the youth to propose climate-related projects they intend to implement in the city. The official launching ceremony was graced by Nananom, Civil Society Organizations, Assembly Members, Private Sector Players, Heads of Departments and staff of the Assembly, selected Second Cycle schools, the media and the Public.

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