The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has announced the selection of 12 projects to receive funding under the Accra Youth Climate Action Fund (AYCAF) initiative.

Supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies, AYCAF was launched in April 2024 by the Mayor of Accra, Elizabeth Naa Kwatsoe Tawiah Sackey, to empower the youth of Accra to engage in climate action and sustainability projects.

The selected projects are youth-managed recycling and waste reduction programmes, Accra Community Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) source separation at Jamestown, integrating climate change education in local governance and development, the Plastic Footprint Reduction Project (PFRP) as well as Mangrove Restoration for Coastal Protection and Urban Greening.

The rest are Sustainable climate financing initiatives, Green future awareness and education campaign, Project Ecomakola, Clean Accra: source separation of waste, Green Ambassadors programme, Empowering youth in climate resilience and climate preparedness, and Youth Eco Power project.

This was contained in a press release signed by the Head of Public Affairs at the AMA on behalf of the Mayor of Accra.

According to the release, the selected projects covered key areas of climate action such as citizen and community engagement, solid waste optimisation, and sustainable transportation, showcasing the creativity and dedication of young people in Accra towards building a sustainable future.

The statement noted that the AYCAF aimed to, among other things provide young people with the necessary resources and support to develop and implement projects that address environmental challenges and promote sustainable development.

"By fostering youth-led initiatives, the fund intends to harness the creativity and energy of the younger generation to create a positive impact on the community and the environment," the release noted.

The statement noted that a total of 31 applications were received for the fund, covering diverse sectors such as waste management, renewable energy, urban planning, and climate education, out of which 12 were selected after a rigorous evaluation process based on predefined criteria to ensure alignment with the objectives of the AYCAF initiative and the broader Accra Climate Action Plan (2021-2025).

The statement further expressed the AMA's optimism about the potential impact of the projects, stating that the Accra Youth Climate Action Fund was a testament to the city's dedication to fostering innovation and empowering its youth.

"The initiative not only aims to address immediate climate challenges but also invests in the long-term development of future environmental leaders. By engaging the youth in meaningful climate action, the AMA continues to advance its goals of enhancing climate resilience and sustainability in Accra," the statement noted.

The statement also acknowledged that the AMA’s commitment to climate action was reflected in its comprehensive approach to addressing environmental challenges, adding that by supporting youth-led projects, the city aimed to build a resilient and sustainable urban environment, aligning with global climate goals and enhancing the quality of life for its residents.