Member of Parliament for Ablekuma South and former Mayor of Accra, Mr. Alfred Okoe Vanderpuije, has called on Ghanaian youth to seize the opportunities offered by the Youth Climate Action Fund (YCAF) to develop and implement innovative solutions that will safeguard Accra’s environment.
Speaking at an event organized by the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) to mark this year’s International Earth Day on the theme “Our Power, Our Planet,” Mr. Vanderpuije stressed the urgent need for climate action, drawing attention to the devastating June 3, 2015 floods as a grim reminder of the city’s vulnerability.
“June 3, 2015, is a date we must never forget,” he said. “That day, floodwaters submerged communities, lives were lost, and the city came to a standstill, all while we hosted over 50 mayors from around the world. That is the face of climate change.”
He urged young people to be at the forefront of climate solutions, warning that the threat of climate-induced disasters continues to loom.
“We cannot keep doing things the same way. Climate change is not a distant threat, it is already here, and it’s destroying lives. The city of Accra must act, and our youth must lead that charge.”
The event also saw the announcement of winners of the second phase of the Youth Climate Action Fund, which was launched in March 2025.
The initiative aims to empower young people to contribute to climate action through creative and practical projects.
Mr. Douglas N.K. Annoful, Metropolitan Coordinating Director, expressed gratitude to the former Mayor for his ongoing commitment to climate advocacy.
He explained that following the fund’s launch, the Assembly received and evaluated 58 applications, selecting projects that align with Accra’s Climate Action Plan.
He encouraged this year’s beneficiaries to learn from last year’s experiences and ensure the successful implementation of their projects.
“We can only access future phases of the YCAF if the current one yields results. Let’s stay focused and deliver,” he said.
The YCAF continues to serve as a platform for youth-led environmental innovation, as Accra intensifies efforts to build climate resilience at the community level.
