The production, disposal, and decomposition of solid waste contribute to carbon emissions in Kumasi while straining the coffers of the local assembly.

In a mitigating drive, the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly is sparking innovative approaches to waste management and climate change with a focus on youth-led green initiatives.

The Youth Climate Action Fund will support and guide thirty young people with resources to champion sustainable projects and climate action strategies.

Poor waste management in Kumasi, especially in public spaces, have adversely impacted the environmental beauty of the city, and contributed to climate change.

The quest for waste-to-energy-and-wealth has become paramount as part of sustainable solutions to environmental challenges.

The Co-ordinating Director at the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly, Francis Dwira Darko disclosed that waste management challenges drains the local assembly, both environmentally and financially.

“Waste management was a long-standing issue for the assembly. Waste management was costing us a lot. Costly operation, buying fuel to fuel cars: it generally weighed out wallet,” he said.

The Youth Climate Action Fund, announced at Bloomberg Philanthropies Mayors Innovation Studio during the COP28 UAE Local Climate Action Summit in December 2023, aims to empower young people between the ages of 15 and 24 to co-create and lead climate solutions through technical support.

Kumasi’s participation in the program is an exciting step towards fostering a more sustainable future.

Following KMA’s successful completion of Round 1 of the Youth Climate Action Fund, the assembly has advanced to Round 2 of the Fund.

In Round 1 of the programme, KMA received which was awarded to 14 youth groups were awarded a total of US$50,000 under the first round, which engaged 2,400 young people.

“Young people have been trained in groups and educated on best environmental practices. And the support that the young people and beneficiaries receive from this project, are prioritizing waste processing, green initiatives, and making recycling a close option. Now we have been able to be innovative, with waste management, prioritizing recycling to support our existing efforts,” Francis Dwira Darko said.

In Round 2 of the Youth Climate Action Fund, more than 90 cities across five continents will receive an additional US$100,000 to fund youth-led climate initiatives.

Francis Dwira Darko says the project is expanding scope and participation to increase impact.

“We are expanding the scope of the Youth Climate Action Fund project this time. For a higher impact, from 14 beneficiaries, we are now pegged to support thirty young people. They will be able to expand their operations and bigger results will be yielded.

“Round 2 offers cities the opportunity to deepen collaboration, support more impactful projects, and inspire the next generation of local youth leaders,” he said.

The KMA is inviting youth aged 15 to 24 and their supporting organizations to develop and submit project proposals.

These proposals should align with the city’s established climate goals, and reflect innovative plans for the youth to engage in climate-related activities that can demonstrate community impact.

Youth proposals will be reviewed by advisory committees, which will select the most promising projects for funding and implementation by the youth groups.

A microgrant of $1,000 to $5,000 will be provided to youth groups to fund projects that are in line with the city’s climate action strategies.

“The proposals should be tailored to fit in the Kumasi situation and to help promote sustainable development in our beloved city. Funds will be provided to selected youth groups by the selection committee and the project implementation committee will as well monitor to ensure strict adherence to project implementation and utilization of funds,” Mr Odwira said.