On Monday, 18th November 2024, Frontline for Climate Action (FCA) hosted an important kick-off meeting with Mr. David Aboagye, the Sub-Metro Director of Okaikoi South, as part of the ongoing Integrating Climate Change into Local Governance project. This initiative, aimed at strengthening local governance in addressing climate change, marks a significant step forward in engaging local leaders to build climate resilience through education and policy integration.
The meeting, attended by key stakeholders, included:
Mr. David Aboagye, Sub-Metro Director, Okaikoi South
Mr. Joseph Asutenga, Environment Health Officer, Okaikoi South Sub-Metro
Mr. Cedric Dzelu, Executive Director, Frontline for Climate Action
Mr. Peter Martin, Project Lead, Frontline for Climate Action
Ms. Afia Nima Bemah, Finance Lead, Frontline for Climate Action
Two volunteers from Frontline for Climate Action
Purpose of the Visit
The meeting served as an introduction to the project’s objectives and provided an opportunity to establish a collaborative relationship with the Okaikoi South Sub-Metro. FCA Executive Director Cedric Dzelu emphasized the project’s mission to mobilize young individuals and communities to integrate climate change education into local governance. He reiterated that empowering local policymakers with the tools and knowledge to incorporate climate resilience into governance frameworks is crucial for tackling climate challenges effectively.
Discussion on Local Climate Challenges and Opportunities
During the meeting, Mr. Aboagye engaged the FCA team by asking questions about the climate challenges faced by Okaikoi South. He highlighted key concerns such as flooding and waste management, stressing the community’s vulnerability to these climate-related issues. Mr. Aboagye inquired about the project’s plans to address these challenges, particularly in relation to local climate education and climate resilience strategies.
In response, Cedric Dzelu outlined the efforts being undertaken by FCA, including the identification of early warning systems, the provision of training for local policymakers, and the procurement of devices for climate monitoring. He assured the team that the project’s training sessions would empower local leaders with the skills needed to implement long-term climate adaptation and mitigation strategies effectively.
Addressing Key Concerns and Proposals
Mr. Aboagye raised a concern about the loss of trained policymakers due to political transitions following elections. He emphasized that when new government officials assume office, the knowledge gained from previous climate training may be lost, hampering the continuity of climate change policies. He suggested that future climate education efforts incorporate strategies to ensure continuity and avoid setbacks in policy implementation.
Additionally, Mr. Aboagye proposed focusing on the health impacts of climate change, particularly heatwaves, and their detrimental effects on skin health. He recommended that the project explore educational campaigns aimed at protecting the community from heatwaves and the potential rise in skin cancer cases due to increasing temperatures.
Okaikoi South Sub-Metro Stakeholders
The Okaikoi South Sub-Metro comprises 18 Assembly members, with 8 elected and 10 appointed members. These local leaders play a pivotal role in the success of the Integrating Climate Change into Local Governance project. Frontline for Climate Action aims to enhance their capacity to address climate challenges at the local level through targeted education and policy advocacy.
Moving Forward
The meeting marked a significant milestone in building strong partnerships for climate action in Okaikoi South. With the valuable input from Mr. Aboagye and his team, FCA plans to expand the reach of the Integrating Climate Change into Local Governance project and address the specific climate challenges identified within the Sub-Metro.
As the project progresses, Frontline for Climate Action will continue engaging with other Sub-Metro leaders, including those from Ashiedu Keteke and Ablekuma South, to ensure comprehensive coverage across Accra’s local governance structures. This collaborative effort highlights the importance of multi-stakeholder engagement in shaping climate-resilient communities.
The meeting with Okaikoi South Sub-Metro Director is a key step toward fostering a shared vision of climate resilience and empowering local leadership to take informed, effective climate action.
Peter Martin
Project Lead
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