Accra marks June 3rd anniversary with climate summit and clean-up

The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), in partnership with youth-led environmental organisations, is set to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the June 3rd Twin Disaster with a climate summit and sanitation campaign focused on promoting urban resilience and climate action.

In a statement signed by the Head of Public Affairs on behalf of the Mayor of Accra, Hon. Michael Kpakpo Allotey, the AMA announced that the event will take place on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the Omanye Aba Hall of the AMA.

The summit will be held under the theme: “June 3rd, A Stern Reminder of Climate Inaction.” According to the AMA, the summit will reflect on the environmental, infrastructural, and governance lapses that led to the 2015 disaster, and mobilise public support for climate adaptation efforts.

Organised in collaboration with Youth Climate Advocates as part of Phase II of the Youth Climate Action Fund (YCAF), the summit aims to empower young people to drive climate solutions at the community level.

“Beyond remembrance, this year’s June 3rd anniversary presents a vital opportunity to recommit to concrete climate actions, the summit will be accompanied by targeted climate awareness campaigns in schools, stakeholder engagements, and a major citywide clean-up exercise led by YCAF micro-grantees,” the statement read.

AMA said the clean-up will target plastic waste removal and gutter desilting in markets and major streets across the city, to boost grassroots sanitation awareness.

As part of its broader climate adaptation strategy, the AMA also highlighted ongoing efforts to combat urban flooding. These include intensified maintenance of major drains in Okaikoi South, Ablekuma South, and Ashiedu Keteke. Notable locations like the Korle Woko Electoral Area and London Market have already seen action.

“The AMA has covered key flood-prone areas in Okaikoi and Ablekuma South, and work is ongoing in Ashiedu Keteke…This is helping reduce the likelihood of intermediate flooding during the rains,” the statement added.

The Assembly also revealed collaboration with the Hydrological Services Authority to dredge the Odaw Channel, and with the Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development (GARID) Project to desilt major drains.

Plans are also in place to expand key drainage channels from 0.6 to 0.9 metres in partnership with the Urban Roads Department to accommodate rising water volumes.“We must all take collective responsibility for the safety and future of our city,” the statement concluded.