The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has taken a significant step towards a sustainable future by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa (CoM SSA).
This collaboration, co-financed by the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), underscores AMA’s commitment to sustainable energy and low-emission infrastructure development.
The MoU aims to bolster Accra’s resilience, amplify climate mitigation and adaptation measures, and promote climate-smart infrastructure. The partnership with CoM SSA will provide AMA with technical support and advice, focusing on implementing Urban Smart Energy (USE) initiatives. These initiatives include the installation of decentralized energy systems and the enhancement of energy efficiency across municipal sites such as city halls, markets, schools, and healthcare centers.
Metro Chief Executive, Honorable Elizabeth Naa Kwatsoe Tawiah Sackey, emphasized the importance of this partnership as part of Accra’s Climate Action Plan.
“As a part of our Climate Action Plan implementation, AMA will further its commitment to support sustainable, affordable, and reliable energy solutions, increase mitigation measures, and ensure the provision of low-emission and climate-smart infrastructure.”
“We are excited to transform our city into a more resilient city by equipping our buildings with a clean and sustainable energy source through the support of CoM SSA.”
Hon. Elizabeth Naa Kwatsoe Tawiah Sackey, Metro Chief Executive of AMA
Additionally, Mrs. Paulina ROZYCKA, Head of the Infrastructure and Sustainable Development Section at the European Union Delegation, commended AMA’s proactive approach.
“The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding with CoM SSA by Accra Metropolitan Assembly demonstrates their readiness to lead by example in taking bold climate action. They have shown leadership and enthusiasm to work towards securing access to clean, affordable, and sustainable energy within the Assembly and for the broader community. The European Union will, of course, support Accra in its efforts.”
Mrs. Paulina ROZYCKA, Head of the Infrastructure and Sustainable Development Section
Sustainable Development Agreement
The partnership also involved the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH in Ghana. Shea O’Neil, GIZ CoM SSA Ghana Project Manager, expressed optimism about the collaboration.
“CoM SSA is pleased to see AMA continuing to be a leader in sub-Saharan Africa on climate action. We eagerly anticipate collaborating with AMA to assess their public buildings for solar potential and facilitate partnerships with the private sector to implement energy solutions that are both sustainable and cost-effective.”
Shea O’Neil, GIZ CoM SSA Ghana Project Manager
Since its initial commitment as a signatory city in October 2015, AMA has been a dedicated participant in the CoM SSA initiative. This MoU reaffirms AMA’s dedication to sustainable development and positions Accra as a leading city in climate action within sub-Saharan Africa.
CoM SSA, the regional chapter of the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy (GCoM), supports over 370 cities in addressing climate and energy challenges. The initiative, co-founded in January 2019 by the European Union, BMZ, and the Agencia Española de Cooperación Internacional para el Desarrollo (AECID), provided extensive support to cities across 14 countries, including Ghana.
This fortified partnership between AMA and CoM SSA is expected to yield significant benefits, including improved energy efficiency, enhanced climate resilience, and the promotion of sustainable development practices in Accra. As cities around the world strive to combat climate change, Accra’s commitment serves as a beacon of progress and innovation in sustainable urban development.
The MoU between AMA and CoM SSA represents a pivotal moment in Accra’s journey towards becoming a model of sustainable urban development. By leveraging the expertise and resources available through CoM SSA, AMA is well-positioned to make significant strides in achieving its sustainability goals, thereby contributing to the broader global effort to combat climate change.
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