Alfred Okoe Vanderpuije, Member of Parliament for Ablekuma South and former Mayor of Accra, has pointed to the deadly June 3, 2015 floods as a sobering reminder of the consequences of climate inaction.
Speaking at an Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) event marking International Earth Day, Vanderpuije called on young people to drive innovative solutions through the Youth Climate Action Fund (YCAF).
Held under the theme “Our Power, Our Planet,” the event also announced the winners of the second phase of the YCAF, a program supporting youth-led climate initiatives. Vanderpuije recounted the 2015 disaster, which claimed lives and paralyzed the city during an international mayors’ conference. “That day showed us the brutal face of climate change,” he said. “We cannot afford to ignore the warnings any longer.”
The lawmaker, who chairs Parliament’s Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration Committee, stressed that climate threats remain urgent. “Accra must act now, and the youth must lead this charge,” he said, urging grant recipients to deliver tangible results in waste management, clean energy, and urban resilience.
AMA’s Metropolitan Coordinating Director, Douglas N.K. Annoful, emphasized accountability, advising beneficiaries to ensure effective implementation to secure future funding. Meanwhile, acting project lead BenSmith outlined selected initiatives, including urban gardening, waste segregation advocacy, and sustainable transport promotion. From 58 applications, 20 projects were chosen based on their alignment with Accra’s Climate Action Plan.
The event also honored the late Pope’s climate advocacy, with Vanderpuije recalling his message: “Mayors must lead, but the youth must take charge.” As Accra confronts growing climate risks, the push for grassroots innovation highlights the city’s efforts to foster resilience a challenge that demands sustained commitment from both leaders and citizens.
