More than 500 leaders and experts from 50 countries kicked off the Clean Cooking Forum 2015  in Accra on Tuesday.

The event, being held for the first time in West Africa, is part of a global effort to create a thriving global market for clean and efficient cookstoves and fuels.

CEO of the Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves -- organizers of the event – Radha Muthiah said progress of Ghana’s cookstoves and fuels sector is a fitting example of how the comprehensive approach supported by the Alliance.

She said Ghana’s progress makes the country a fitting place to hold the maiden edition of the forum.

 “Together, we have made tremendous progress and celebrated many successes in the cookstoves and fuels sector, but we can’t stop until we reach a world where cooking doesn’t kill,” she said.

In Ghana, more than 80 percent of people cook with solid fuel, and the resulting air pollution is responsible for thousands of deaths each year, as well as widespread impacts on health and the environment. But many in Ghana and are working to change this.

Petroleum Minister, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, who was also at the opening of the forum said Ghana has made significant strides towards increasing access to cleaner-burning cooking fuels,"

"The Clean Cooking Forum will serve as a great opportunity to showcase Ghana's work on increasing energy access and improving the lives of all Ghanaians through the broader use of clean and efficient cookstoves and fuels," he said.

A highlight of the opening day included an inspiring talk from 11-year-old Pamela Abdulai, a Ghana Girl Guide who is also an advocate for clean cooking.

Joining Muthiah and Buah on stage, Abdulai said, “I want to make sure everyone know about the benefits of clean cookstoves, and I hope one day that all girls in my country will use only clean cookstoves and fuels in their homes.”

The Forum will feature four days of meetings, panel discussions and cultural events, as well as showcase Ghana's own progress on the clean cooking issue.

Additional speakers and guests at the Forum are scheduled to include The Honorable Grant Shapps, Minister of State for the UK Department for International Development; Stephen Appiah, former professional soccer player and head of the Stephen Appiah Foundation; Rocky Dawuni, international musician and Alliance Ambassador; and many others.

The forum will run November 10th through November 13th in Accra.