Story by, Nsor Paul Mensah
Assembly (AMA) has officially launched Phase II of the Youth Climate Action Fund (YCAF), empowering young people to take the lead in combating climate change in the capital. This 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, doubling the support provided in Phase I, to scale up the impact of youth-led climate action projects across the metropolis. AMA Coordinating Director, Douglas N.K. Annoful, emphasized the urgency of addressing climate change, praising young people's creativity and innovation as crucial drivers of sustainable solutions.
Key Highlights of the Initiative:
- _Empowering Youth_: The initiative is open to young people aged 15 to 24, who are encouraged to submit sustainable project proposals addressing climate change.
- _Additional Funding_: Phase II brings an additional $100,000 in funding to scale up the impact of youth-led climate action projects.
- _Global Effort_: The initiative forms part of a global effort to support youth-led solutions in 100 cities.
- _Community-Driven Initiatives_: The initiative aims to amplify community-driven initiatives, with a focus on renewable energy, conservation, and climate education.
Ghanaian rapper and climate advocate, Okyeame Kwame, emphasized the importance of nurturing environmental consciousness among children, who can influence their families and communities. Maxwell Odonkor, Executive Director of the World Inspiring Network, shared his experience as a beneficiary of the fund's first phase, highlighting the impact of the project on climate education and energy conservation.
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.