On Friday, 29th November 2024, Frontline for Climate Action (FCA) advanced its mission to integrate climate change education into local governance by engaging the Bukom community in the Odododiodio constituency, part of the Ashiedu Keteke Sub-Metro of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA). This impactful initiative is part of FCA’s broader Integrating Climate Change into Local Governance Project, funded under the AMA Youth Fund Project, with generous support from Bloomberg Philanthropies and United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG).
The engagement aimed to deepen climate awareness, especially within vulnerable and frontline communities, and to empower residents with practical solutions to address the climate crisis.
Empowering Bukom with Climate Knowledge
The Bukom community engagement featured expert-led discussions and practical demonstrations, which made complex climate change concepts relatable and understandable for people of all age groups. Participants gained knowledge on the causes and impacts of climate change and explored sustainable, community-based solutions to adapt to and mitigate its effects.
A particular focus of the session was on combating heatwaves, a growing challenge for the area. Residents were guided through the creation of adaptive strategies tailored to their local context, emphasizing the importance of grassroots action in building resilience.
Partnerships for Grassroots Action
This engagement was a collaborative effort, fostering partnerships with local leaders, particularly governance actors, to ensure that FCA’s message of climate resilience resonated deeply within the community. By involving leaders such as Hon. Kotey, Unit Committee Chairperson, and Mr. Commey, FCA demonstrated how local leadership can drive meaningful action.
Their involvement set an inspiring example of how governance and grassroots activism can combine to address pressing climate challenges. Together, they worked with residents to identify practical and innovative solutions to improve climate resilience in Bukom.
Amplifying Marginalized Voices
FCA’s work in Bukom underscores its commitment to ensuring that marginalized and vulnerable communities are not left out of the global climate conversation. This initiative highlighted the vital role that every individual and community can play in combating climate change while fostering a culture of sustainability and responsibility.
Acknowledging Sponsors and Stakeholders
The success of this initiative was made possible through the support of the AMA Youth Fund Project, funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies and United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG). Frontline for Climate Action expresses its deepest appreciation to these sponsors for empowering youth-led climate initiatives and supporting grassroots climate education and resilience efforts.
FCA also extends special thanks to Hon. Kotey, Mr. Commey, the assembly members, and other stakeholders whose leadership and collaboration brought this engagement to life. Their dedication and commitment were instrumental in making the Bukom community engagement a resounding success.
Looking Ahead
The Bukom engagement is a testament to the power of collective action and partnerships in addressing global challenges. Through initiatives like these, Frontline for Climate Action, with the support of its sponsors and partners, continues to pave the way for more resilient and sustainable communities, ensuring that no one is left behind in the fight against climate change.
Peter Martin
Project Lead
Very insightful 💯💕! 😍