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The Integrating Climate Change Education into Local Governance and Development project, led by Frontline for Climate Action, has successfully concluded its capacity-building workshop under the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) Youth Climate Action Fund Project. This initiative, generously funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies and supported by United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG), is part of a broader strategy to strengthen local governance structures in the face of the mounting climate crisis.
Purpose and Objectives
The training aimed to achieve three core objectives:
1. Empowering local leaders to adopt and integrate climate-sensitive strategies into governance frameworks and development plans.
2. Bridging the knowledge gap within local assemblies to enable effective climate policy formulation and decision-making.
3. Fostering community-led solutions to mitigate climate change impacts and enhance resilience.
The program, held at the GNAT HALL, Accra, brought together over 80 participants, including elected assembly members, government appointees, unit committee members, and technical staff from sub-metro offices. Through a mix of presentations and interactive discussions, the training provided a comprehensive understanding of how climate change affects local governance and how assemblies can integrate climate education into their operational strategies.
Insightful Presentations and Baseline Findings
The event began with a detailed presentation by Peter Martin, the Project Lead, who took participants through the findings of the baseline surveys conducted earlier. These findings shed light on the current state of climate resilience within local governance and highlighted opportunities for improvement. Participants were particularly keen to understand how these insights could inform practical solutions tailored to their unique local challenges.
In her remarks, Mrs. Mercy Y.A.A Odoi, Sub-Metro Director for Ashiedu Keteke, expressed her enthusiasm for the project, stating: ” Through this project, we aim to equip our leaders with the knowledge and tools to tackle climate change effectively and integrate climate resilience into their decision-making processes. By empowering our community with climate education, we are building a more sustainable and resilient future for Ashiedu Keteke. I look forward to working together on this transformative initiative for the betterment of our community.”
Mrs. Nuerki Sodjah, Sub-Metro Director for Ablekuma South, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the timeliness of the project. She remarked:
” This collaboration with Frontline for Climate Action will provide our local leaders with the necessary tools and knowledge to integrate climate resilience into governance and development. It’s an opportunity to empower our community to take meaningful action toward sustainability and environmental stewardship. I am committed to supporting this project and look forward to the positive impact it will have on our community’s future.”
Engaged and Inspired Participants
The training was met with overwhelming enthusiasm and active participation. Attendees expressed their excitement about the program and commended the interactive format, which fostered deep discussions and practical engagement. Many participants shared how the workshop significantly bridged the gap in knowledge about climate change within their local assemblies, equipping them with tools they had not previously encountered.
One participant remarked, “This training has opened my eyes to the urgent need for integrating climate resilience into our everyday governance practices. I now feel more confident in proposing climate policies that address both immediate and long-term challenges.”
Others called for more frequent engagements of this nature, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and collaboration in tackling the multifaceted impacts of climate change.
A Collaborative Effort
The event was also graced by the Executive Director of the Ghana YMCA, Mr. Kwabena Nketia Addae, who highlighted the relevance of the training:
“This training is essential for equipping local leaders with practical tools to address the climate crisis. By integrating climate education into governance, we empower communities to take decisive action toward environmental stewardship and sustainable development. I commend Frontline for Climate Action and AMA for this impactful initiative.”
Additionally, the team from Noveli E-Solutions delivered a thought-provoking presentation on leveraging technology to combat climate change. Their insights focused on the potential of solar energy and e-toilet solutions as innovative approaches to addressing the environmental challenges facing urban and peri-urban communities. Participants were particularly inspired by the actionable steps presented, recognizing the role of technology in fostering a sustainable future.
A Step Forward in Bridging Policy Gaps
One of the key outcomes of this training was its role in bridging critical gaps within local assemblies regarding climate knowledge and policy-making. The program equipped participants with the tools needed to make informed decisions and advocate for sustainable practices within their jurisdictions which was well delivered by the Chief Facilitator, Mr. Solomon Djangmah.
By the end of the session, participants expressed their readiness to implement what they had learned and work toward creating climate-conscious governance systems. The training not only enhanced their technical capacity but also fostered a renewed sense of responsibility and collaboration among local leaders.
Volunteer Engagement
Young people played a vital role in the training, serving as MCs, logistics coordinators, and technical support. Their energy and professionalism ensured the event ran smoothly, showcasing the importance of youth leadership in climate action. This engagement provided them with valuable experience and emphasized the need for continued youth involvement in shaping sustainable futures.
Conclusion
The successful implementation of the Integrating Climate Change Education into Local Governance and Development project underscores the importance of capacity-building initiatives in addressing climate challenges. The collaboration between Frontline for Climate Action, AMA, Bloomberg Philanthropies, and UCLG demonstrates how multi-stakeholder efforts can drive transformative change at the grassroots level.
This training is a testament to the power of education and engagement in empowering communities to take ownership of their future. As participants move forward with renewed confidence and knowledge, it is hoped that this initiative will serve as a model for similar programs across the country and beyond.
Cedric Dzelu
Executive Director
Frontline for Climate Action
