STMA partners Covenant of Mayors to launch Climate Action Plan for zero emission by 2050

In a strategic move towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals 7 and 13, the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA) has joined forces with the Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa to roll out the Sustainable Energy Access and Climate Action Plan (SEACAP).

The initiative, aimed at achieving zero carbon emissions by 2050, underscores the Assembly’s commitment to building a greener and more sustainable urban environment in the Western Region.

This collaboration comes at a critical time, as recent research conducted by the Assembly reveals that per capita greenhouse gas emission in Sekondi-Takoradi stands at 26% of the global average.

The findings point to five key activities as major contributors: 31% from solid and liquid waste, 26% from charcoal production, 18% from industrial energy, 13% from road transport, and 11% from electricity consumption.

Without immediate intervention, the Assembly warns that greenhouse gas emissions could surge by 40% over the next decade. Such an increase could reverse the development gains made in recent years, exacerbating the already accelerating impacts of climate change in the region.

In response, the STMA, in collaboration with the Covenant of Mayors, has developed Sub-Saharan Africa to roll out the Sustainable Energy Access and Climate Action Plan (SEACAP), which will focus on three core areas: climate mitigation, adaptation, and sustainable energy access.

Speaking at the launch of the plan, Mr. Mumin Issah, the Metropolitan Chief Executive, outlined the ambitious targets, emphasizing that the metropolis aims to achieve zero carbon emissions by 2050.

To realize this vision, “the Assembly plans to introduce modern transportation systems, including electric bicycle pools and charging stations. Additionally, it seeks to divert 100% of organic waste from landfills through comprehensive waste management strategies, such as composting and biogas facilities.”

By 2050, the Assembly also aims to reduce emissions from buildings by 25%, provide universal electricity access, and generate 25% of the energy used in public buildings and homes from solar power.

“We are committed to ensuring that everyone has access to clean and reliable energy, with at least 15% of homes equipped with solar PV installations,” Mr. Issah affirmed.

Though these goals are ambitious, Mr. Issah expressed confidence in the Assembly’s ability to meet them. “We will do everything in our power to fulfill the objectives outlined in SEACAP,” he assured.

Shea O’Neil, Program Manager for the Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa, lauded the STMA’s initiative.

“We are thrilled to see such bold climate action and look forward to working with the Assembly to make Sekondi-Takoradi more resilient to the impacts of climate change,” she said, pledging continued support for the implementation of the plan.

This partnership marks a significant step in the fight against climate change, setting a bold example for other cities in the region to follow.

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