Accra, Ghana – From 30 September to 2 October 2025, the City of Accra hosted the first Climate Finance and Regional Leadership Masterclass event series, convening high-level political leaders and senior decision-makers from across Ghana.
The event, organized by the C40 Cities’ UCAP (Urban Climate Action Programme) Climate Action Implementation (CAI) Programme, with support from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), focused on strengthening climate governance, unlocking climate finance, and accelerating the implementation of ambitious climate action at the city level. The opening session was attended by the President of the National Association of Local Authorities of Ghana (NALAG), Hon. Alfred Asiedu Adjei, FCDO Programme and Policy Manager, Theresa Attobrah-Okine, and Head of Implementation for the UCAP CAI Programme in Africa, Zarina Moolla.
The three-day Masterclass, facilitated by AP3, brought together council members, national representatives, private sector partners, and development finance institutions to engage in dialogue, share best practices, and co-develop strategies to address urgent urban climate challenges.
Hon. Michael Kpakpo Allotey, Mayor of Accra said: “Accra faces serious vulnerabilities, including rising temperatures, frequent flooding, and pressure from rapid urban growth. The Accra Metropolitan Assembly has been actively pursuing projects to address these challenges, such as improved waste management, flood control interventions, and promoting clean energy solutions. However, the complexity of these climate risks demands more concerted action, stronger institutional coordination, and an urgent need for climate finance. Access to sufficient public and private funding is essential to scale up climate projects and protect our communities. This masterclass provides an important platform to discuss barriers to finance, strengthen governance, and mobilize resources that reflect the realities and priorities of Accra”.
Accra is at the forefront of climate action in Ghana, prioritising initiatives that build resilience for vulnerable communities while driving sustainable growth. The city is working to transform its waste management systems by reducing landfill reliance, scaling up waste diversion and recycling, developing relevant policies and strategies, and supporting a circular economy. At the same time, Accra is accelerating the transition to clean energy and sustainable mobility solutions, including the promotion of low-emission public transport and renewable energy initiatives.
Recently, the city launched the City Hall Goes Green campaign, in partnership with C40 Cities and DTT Energy Ghana Limited, aimed at reducing energy consumption and carbon footprint at its head office. These efforts are central to the city’s vision of creating a greener, healthier, and more resilient urban environment.
Anthony Okoth, C40’s Regional Director for Africa, said: “African cities face growing risks from rising temperatures, extreme flooding, water scarcity, and other climate-related threats. With rapidly growing urban populations, political leaders play a pivotal role in shaping policies and fostering partnerships to protect vulnerable communities while driving inclusive green economic growth. Accra stands as a beacon of climate resilience in West Africa by boosting its energy efficiency and solar power in public buildings and optimising the city’s waste management through policy and strategy reform”.
The Regional Leadership Masterclasses focus on four core themes:
- Policy Integration: Mainstreaming climate considerations into city governance and decision-making.
- Public Engagement: Building political and public support for transformative climate solutions.
- Climate Finance: Strengthening municipal systems to attract investment and scale climate action.
- Coalition Building: Fostering collaboration across sectors and levels of government.
By hosting the first Masterclass, Accra reinforces its commitment to resilient, sustainable, and inclusive urban development. The outcomes of this event will lay the foundation for subsequent convenings in Dar es Salaam, Lagos, Nairobi, Addis Ababa and Tshwane, creating a sustained network of African political leaders driving climate action across the continent.