The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), in partnership with Bloomberg Philanthropies and other global organizations, has officially launched Phase II of the Youth Climate Action Fund (YCAF), aimed at empowering young people to take the lead in combating climate change in the capital.
The initiative, unveiled on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at Accra City Hall, is open to young people aged 15 to 24, who are encouraged to submit sustainable project proposals addressing climate change to qualify for grants. Phase II brings an additional $100,000 in funding to scale up the impact of youth-led climate action projects across the metropolis.
Speaking at the launch, AMA Coordinating Director, Douglas N.K. Annoful, underscored the urgency of addressing climate change, describing it as one of the most pressing challenges of modern times.
“The impacts of climate change transcend borders, cultures, and generations. From unpredictable weather patterns to rising sea levels, the consequences of inaction are dire,” Mr. Annoful said. “We must take bold steps to mitigate these effects and protect our environment.”
He highlighted the importance of engaging young people in climate action, praising their creativity and innovation as crucial drivers of sustainable solutions.
According to him, the initiative aligns with Accra’s Climate Action Plan and forms part of a global effort to support youth-led solutions in 100 cities, with each participating city receiving $50,000 under Phase I. Phase II now doubles that support to $100,000 to further amplify community-driven initiatives.
“Climate change knows no boundaries, and neither should our efforts to combat it,” Mr. Annoful added. “We must work hand in hand with local communities, governments, and organizations to create a unified front against this global challenge.”
He urged the youth to seize the opportunity and bring forward innovative ideas, whether focused on renewable energy, conservation, or climate education.
Ghanaian rapper and climate advocate, Okyeame Kwame, also addressed the gathering, emphasizing the role of young people in shaping the future. He stressed that Africa, despite contributing less than five percent to global carbon emissions, remains one of the hardest-hit regions by climate change, facing rising sea levels, droughts, and extreme weather events.
“Africa may not be the biggest polluter, but we cannot ignore our responsibility,” he said. “With 57% of the continent’s population made up of young people, the power to innovate and drive change is in our hands.”
Kwame further highlighted the importance of nurturing environmental consciousness among children, who, in turn, could influence their families and communities.
“You can’t teach new tricks to old dogs. Some of us are old and stuck in our ways, but children are seeds. We have the opportunity to plant love and compassion for nature into their consciousness. When they germinate, nothing can stop them from becoming climate change ambassadors,” he said.
Building on Success
Maxwell Odonkor, Executive Director of the World Inspiring Network and a beneficiary of the fund’s first phase, shared his experience. His organization received a $2,000 grant to implement The Youth Eco Project, which focused on climate education and energy conservation.
“We engaged young people on the causes and effects of climate change and trained them to become ambassadors in their schools and communities,” Odonkor explained, noting that the project empowered students to educate their families on energy-saving techniques.
He expressed gratitude to the AMA, Bloomberg Philanthropies, and other supporting organizations for their investment in youth-driven climate action.
A Call to Action
The Presiding Member of the AMA, Alfred Asiedu Adjei, encouraged the youth to submit proposals for the fund, explaining that selecting beneficiaries between the ages of 15 and 24 would allow the Assembly to monitor their projects over the years and ingrain climate change awareness in their lives.
Workshops will be organized to provide participants with mentorship, technical guidance, and skills training to refine their project ideas for potential funding.
The event brought together government officials, climate experts, development partners, traditional leaders, and young innovators, signaling Accra’s commitment to fostering youth participation in the global fight against climate change.
As Phase II unfolds, the AMA and its partners hope to see groundbreaking projects emerge, with young Ghanaians leading the charge toward a more sustainable future.
Source – AMA PR Unit
