The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has officially launched its comprehensive Energy Efficiency Awareness campaign programme aimed at reducing the energy consumption and carbon footprint at its head office.
The AMA head office currently uses approximately 359,265 kwh of electricity each year, leading to high operational costs and greenhouse gas emissions.
The launch on "City Hall Goes Green" was in collaboration with the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group (C40) and DTT Energy Ghana Limited.
The initiative is a key part of the Accra Climate Action Plan (CAP) and would serve as a pilot project, with the goal of developing a scalable model for other public and private buildings throughout the city of Accra.
The launch was on three core campaigns designed to foster a culture of energy efficiency among all AMA staff. They are "Embrace the Breeze: Cool Savings for City Hall," "Light Up Smart, Not Wasteful," and "Power Down, Power Up Accra!"
This is to encourage staff to reduce air condition use and optimize temperature setting; promote maximization of natural daylight and consistently switch off lights in unoccupied offices, while encouraging staff to switch off computers and other electronics when not in use.
The launch included a series of activities, such as unveiling campaign materials, showcasing communication tools, and demonstrating energy-saving practices by newly appointed "Energy Efficiency Ambassadors" from within the staff.
Mr Michael Kpakpo Allotey, the Accra Metropolitan Chief Executive, in a speech said the campaign was about more than just saving money but empowering every member of the staff AMA to be an active participant in Accra's climate goals.
"By starting within our walls, we are setting a powerful example and creating a blueprint for a greener, more sustainable Accra. The financial savings we achieve will be reinvested into critical city services, creating a win-win for our environment and our community," he stated.
He said the AMA anticipated a decrease in its energy consumption and utility costs, along with a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, adding that the project's success would be assessed through continuous energy monitoring, staff surveys, and cost-savings analysis, ensuring a data-driven approach to climate action.
Mr Allotey said the AMA was committed to sustainable development and is actively implementing initiatives under its Climate Action Plan to address environmental challenges.
The C40 Cities is a global network of mayors of the world's leading cities, committed to taking urgent climate action. The C40 Climate Action Implementation (CAI) Programme supports cities in their efforts to implement ambitious climate action plans.