Prudential Life Insurance Ghana, a leading insurance provider, has launched a US$100,000 Climate Action project to address serious environmental challenges in Chorkor, a coastal community in Accra, Ghana.

The project, christened the PRU Climate Action Initiative, is funded under the Climate & Health Resilience Fund (CHRF) established by the Prudence Foundation, the community investment arm of Prudential plc in Asia and Africa. The foundation assists these markets in adapting to the impacts of climate change on health.

The PRU Climate Action Initiative, implemented by United Way Ghana, aims to address severe health, environmental, and climate-related threats such as coastal erosion, flooding, cholera, poor drainage, waste management systems, and pollution. Targeted interventions like environmental education, tree planting by school clubs, and waste management initiatives will also be implemented to promote long-term climate resilience.

Speaking at the Chemuena South 4 Cluster of Schools during the launch, the Chief Executive Officer of Prudential Life Insurance Ghana, Jane Dornukuor Mingle, emphasised that the project, expected to impact about 24,000 people (80% of the population in Chorkor), is dear to the company’s heart because it aligns with their purpose: For Every Life, For Every Future.

She added, “This purpose, together with Prudential’s mission; to be the most trusted partner and protector for this generation and generations to come, guides our sustainability strategy and our dedication to creating a sustainable, inclusive, and responsible future for our customers, our people, our shareholders, and the communities we serve—in this case, Chorkor.”

Under this project, the Chemuena Cluster of Schools will benefit from the construction of a 20-seater toilet and a water facility, ensuring better sanitation for over 400 pupils. Additionally, 100 bio-digester toilets will be built for the community, and 300 less-endowed residents will be enrolled on the National Health Insurance Scheme. There will also be a year-long advocacy campaign in the community and in all public schools in Chorkor, including Saint Moses Basic School, St. George’s Basic School, Mamprobi South 4 Basic School, Chemunaa Basic School, and Chorkor Presbyterian Basic School.

A board member of United Way Ghana, Jane Butler, observed that the interventions provided under the PRU Climate Action project will greatly improve public health by reducing open defecation, waterborne diseases, and other health concerns, enhance sanitation and waste management, and save costs associated with medical treatment. They will empower community members and students through training on waste management, allowing them to generate revenue. Additionally, regular community cleaning exercises will further reduce pollution and health risks. Overall, these efforts will promote a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable community in Chorkor.

As part of the project, logistics for sanitation management were donated to the community. These include shovels, hand wash stations, dustbins, standing brooms, cutlasses, wheelbarrows, and a tricycle.

Present at the launch were the Chiefs and Queen of Chorkor, Naa Adorkor Gyamfi I; the Assemblymember for Chorkor, Theophilus Quaye; the Director for the Sub-Metro of the Ghana Health Service, Dr. Louisa Mate; a representative from the Ghana Education Service and a representative from the National Health Insurance Authority.

They commended United Way for identifying Chorkor and Prudential Life for funding the project. They promised to work with the school authorities and other community leaders to take good care of the facilities and logistics provided to improve the community.