The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has marked this year's International Women’s Day with a sensitisation campaign to encourage young women to take advantage of Phase II of the Youth Climate Action Fund and develop innovative solutions to climate change.

The event, held at the Accra Technical University (ATU) under the theme “Advancing Women’s Role in the Digital Economy and AI Innovation,” sought to promote women’s empowerment through technology and inspire greater female participation in climate and tech-driven initiatives.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. BenSmith Afful, Acting Coordinator of the Youth Climate Action Project, said the initiative was part of AMA’s broader effort to encourage youth-led action against climate change. 

He revealed that Phase II of the Youth Climate Action Fund, launched on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at Accra City Hall, was open to young people aged 15 to 24 who are passionate about creating community-based climate solutions. He added that the second phase of the project comes with an additional budget of $100,000.

He stated that the fund offers financial support ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 for youth-led projects focused on areas such as recycling, clean energy, advocacy, and climate education.

“Climate change is an urgent crisis we have about 25 years left to reverse the damage or risk irreversible consequences. At 21 degrees Celsius, we already feel the impact. Scientists warn that by 2050, global temperatures could rise to 40 degrees if nothing is done,” Mr. Afful stressed.

He noted the success of Phase I of the project, which saw the development of a biogas plant by students from St. Mary’s School, converting organic waste into clean cooking gas. H

He encouraged the female students to explore innovative climate ideas and assured them of AMA’s support.

To help applicants refine their concepts, Mr. Afful announced an ideation workshop at the AMA City Hall on Wednesday, April 3, 2025. He urged interested individuals or groups to submit their applications before the deadline on April 14, 2025.

Dr. Elizabeth Korasare, Chief Executive of the Fibroid Foundation Africa, called for deliberate efforts to support girls in breaking into traditionally male-dominated sectors such as engineering, digital technology, and AI innovation.

She encouraged the young women to equip themselves with digital skills and take advantage of opportunities like the Youth Climate Action Fund to influence meaningful change in their communities.

She commended the AMA for launching the initiative but suggested that future editions be extended to other parts of the country. “Climate change is real and affects us all. This is a good start, but we must scale it nationwide,” she said.

The event featured a panel of experts from academia and industry who discussed the intersection of technology, innovation, and gender inclusion.

 Among them were Prof. Ebenezer Malcalm, Dean of Graduate Studies at Ghana Communication Technology University; Prof. (Mrs.) Smile Gavua-Smile, Acting Director-General (Management Services) of the Ghana Education Service; Prof. Amei Acakpo, Acting Vice-Chancellor of Accra Technical University; Nana Kofi Agyabeng Konadu, CEO of Progressive Sage; Prof. Nana Yaw Asabere, Dean of the Faculty of Applied Sciences at ATU; and Mr. Adjei Obed Oduro, Senior ICT Assistant at ATU.

The engagement formed part of the AMA’s commitment to promoting gender equality, youth development, and inclusive climate action through strategic partnerships and innovation.