The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa (CoM SSA), to propel the implementation of Urban Smart Energy (USE) initiatives within the Ghanaian capital.
The partnership agreement, which is expected to end by March 31, 2025, will focus on installing decentralised energy systems and improving energy efficiency in key municipal facilities such as city halls, markets, schools, and healthcare centres.
Under the framework of the MoU, both entities pledge to collaborate closely in exploring and executing projects geared towards promoting renewable energy and enhancing energy efficiency in public buildings owned by the Assembly.
Additionally, the collaboration that would be implemented with the support of the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) in Ghana involves participation in workshops, training programmes, and international events, as well as access to valuable resources and intercity collaborations within the CoM SSA network.
The Mayor of Accra, Hon. Elizabeth Kwatsoe Sackey expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership, emphasising its importance in advancing the city’s climate action agenda. She highlighted the AMA’s ongoing efforts to collect energy data on public buildings under the C40 CAI project, affirming that the collaboration with CoM SSA would bolster these initiatives.
The Mayor assured the AMA’s unwavering support and commitment and pledged to provide necessary human resources, references, and knowledge management materials for the success of the project.
She expressed optimism that the collaboration would yield tangible results, transforming Accra into a more resilient and sustainable city.
Paulina Rozycka, the Head of Infrastructure and Sustainable Development at the European Union Delegation to Ghana, stated cities were at the forefront of the battle against climate change acknowledging the importance of cities leading by example in adopting renewable energy, green infrastructure, and efficient public transportation to reduce carbon footprints and inspire global action.
Rozycka commended the Accra Metropolitan Assembly for its leadership and enthusiasm in taking bold climate action, particularly in securing access to clean, affordable, and sustainable energy for the community.
Shea O’Neil, Project Manager of GIZ CoM SSA, highlighted the AMA’s prior achievements in sustainability initiatives, including developing the Climate Action Plan in partnership with C40, and the ongoing Climate Action Implementation project focusing on energy efficiency and management planning.
Acknowledging Accra’s leadership role within CoM SSA, O’Neil underscored the significance of the partnership, noting Mayor Sackey’s recent tenure at the Regional Management Facility (RMF).
She expressed confidence in the potential of the Urban Smart Energy project to leverage AMA’s existing groundwork and propel the city towards improved energy management and renewable energy integration.
O’Neil reiterated GIZ CoM SSA’s enthusiasm for the partnership and expressed anticipation for the positive outcomes ahead while extending gratitude to all stakeholders and emphasising the collective commitment to advancing sustainability efforts in Accra.
The signing ceremony, which was witnessed by the Coordinating Director of the AMA, Mr. Douglas N.K Annoful and Tangmar Marmon- Energy Cluster Coordinator, GIZ was attended by distinguished guests and stakeholders, including representatives of the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
