The Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, has lauded the role of young people in advancing climate action as the city unveiled the Apata Initiative, a project designed to combat extreme heat in the capital.

The initiative, under the Youth Climate Action Fund and implemented by the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) with support from Bloomberg Philanthropies and United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG), is transforming public spaces with innovative cooling sheds made from reusable materials.

“This project is a practical solution to tackling extreme heat, one of the biggest challenges facing Accra today. By combining climate innovation with community needs, we make our city more livable and support our long-term goal of sustainable transportation,” Mayor Allotey said at the launch.

The sheds, designed and fabricated by McKingtorch Africa, have been installed in heat-prone areas around schools and markets to provide pedestrians and cyclists with relief from high temperatures. Named after the Twi word for “shade,” the Apata sheds also aim to showcase sustainable design practices.

“Built from reusable materials, these cooling sheds not only provide immediate relief from heat but also demonstrate how sustainable design can transform our city,” noted Roselyn Ntim, Project Lead of the Apata Initiative.

Accra has faced increasing exposure to extreme heat due to rapid urbanisation and tree cover loss, which have intensified the Urban Heat Island effect (UHI). Vulnerable groups such as children, pregnant women, and the elderly remain most at risk, making adaptation measures a public health priority.

Beyond the sheds, the Apata Initiative is developing a roadmap to expand green spaces, promoting tree planting with youth groups, and running awareness campaigns in schools and markets to encourage sustainable practices.

City leaders say the project aligns with Accra’s Vision 2050 target, which aims for 40% of all city trips to be made by non-motorised transport, contributing to cleaner air, healthier communities, and safer public spaces.