Scores of Ghanaian celebrities have joined the Second Lady, Samira Bawumia at the Africa Women and Children Conference (AFRIWOCC) Concert to pledge their support for climate action.

The concert which climaxed the maiden AFRIWOCC held at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra, brought together hundreds of Ghanaians who dance to several tunes from Okyeame Quame, Kwame Eugene, Adina and the Play Boy Band.

The celebrities, mostly from the movie and music industries pledged their support to Mrs Bawumia who is championing the cause to end the negative impact of climate change on women and children in Africa.

Veteran actors David Dontoh, Fred Amugi, Adjetey Anang, and the ever-young Akorfa Edjeani Aseidu were also there to throw their weight behind the second lady.

In their solidarity message, ace radio personality, Lexis Bill and Musician, Kidi said they were supporting the event to end the impact of climate change on women and children who were at the receiving end.

Counsellor and relationship expert, Cyril George Carstensen Lutterodt emphasized the need to support the program, stating that Climate Action was the only way to restore the environment to what God planned it to be.
The controversial counsellor noted that the negative impact of climate change had adversely affected the country, resulting in natural disasters.

Notable among the celebrities were gospel musicians Cece Twum and Ohemaa Mercy, actors Prince David Osei, Kobby Rana, and James Gardiner, actress Gloria Sarfo and comedian, Kalybos.

Also present at the concert was the United Nations Resident Coordinator, Charles Abani and celebrated Playwright, Latif Abubakar.

AFRIWOCC
The Samira Empowerment and Humanitarian Projects (SEHP) under the auspices of the office of the President initiated AFRIWOCC to bring together a diverse range of participants.

This includes high-level government officials, policymakers, renowned experts, representatives from international organisations, civil society, and grassroots community leaders.

They deliberated on meaningful dialogue and collaboration on climate change issues affecting women and children across Africa and beyond, and also highlight the unique ways women can influence the achievement of positive Climate Action.

This follows the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change's (UNFCCC) inclusion of women and children in the climate-related negotiations and decision-making processes,

It was themed “Amplifying the Voices of Women and Children in Climate Action," the two-day conference which was championed by the Second Lady.

It sought to assess the impact of the climate crises on women and children, advocate for policies that champion the interest of women and children in climate change sector regulations and development, and coordinate a network of organisations focused on women and children in the climate change economy.

The two-day conference brought together hundreds of participants and ended with the signing of a communique that represents a collective commitment to action and will guide governments, civil society, and the private sector to prioritise the rights and well-being of women and children in climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies.

The outcomes of the conference will contribute to discussions at the Africa Climate Week and Africa Climate Summit.

It is scheduled for September 4th to 6th, 2023, in Nairobi, Kenya and expected to shape Africa’s position at the upcoming United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference of Parties' (COP 28) session, which would be held from November 30 to December 12, 2023, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).