The Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA) has officially launched its Sustainable Energy Access and Climate Action Plan (SEACAP), a strategic initiative aimed at combating climate change and its impacts across the Metropolis.

SEACAP is structured to address climate and energy challenges in Sekondi-Takoradi by focusing on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, expanding access to clean energy, and enhancing resilience to climate impacts—all while fostering sustainable economic growth.

The plan was developed through a collaborative effort between STMA and the Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa (CoM SSA), with PSS Urbania as the local consultant. This process involved a thorough review of existing climate data and consultations with households and key stakeholders to ensure a comprehensive approach.

The CoM SSA project in Ghana is co-funded by the European Union and Germany’s Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and is implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).

Speaking at the launch in Takoradi, Abdul-Mumin Issah, the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE), emphasised the urgency of addressing climate change, describing it as a pressing global challenge with significant consequences.

He noted that research conducted during SEACAP's development revealed that greenhouse gas emissions per capita in Sekondi-Takoradi are currently at 26.0% of the global average. These emissions stem from three main sectors: stationary sources (56.0%), waste (31.0%), and mobile sources (13.0%).

Without intervention, the research indicated that emissions in Sekondi-Takoradi could rise by 40.0% over the next decade.

Mr. Issah explained that SEACAP is anchored on three key pillars—climate mitigation, adaptation, and sustainable energy access—which will guide the Assembly in transforming Sekondi-Takoradi into a resilient, smart metropolis with low-carbon transportation, sustainable waste management, and renewable energy solutions, with a goal of reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

He assured that the STMA is committed to implementing SEACAP’s objectives, expressing gratitude to CoM SSA and GIZ for their support.

“The commitment from CoM SSA has inspired us, and we will strive to achieve the goals we have set for a sustainable future,” he added.

Dr. Dirk Assman, Country Director of GIZ Ghana, lauded the launch as a major step in STMA's climate efforts.

“Through SEACAP, STMA is setting an example, demonstrating that local action can drive global impact,” he said, underscoring that the STMA’s ambitions align closely with those of GIZ and the European Union in Ghana.

Western Regional Minister, Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, extended his congratulations to STMA for leading the climate action charge within the Metropolis and beyond.

Meanwhile, CoM SSA Country Manager for Ghana, Ms. Shea O’Neil, expressed pride in supporting STMA in developing SEACAP to address climate change challenges in Sekondi-Takoradi.