AMA to mark 10th anniversary of June 3rd disaster with climate summit and citywide clean-up

The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) is organizing a climate summit. This event marks the 10th anniversary of the June 3rd Twin Disaster. It will take place citywide, focusing on climate action and urban resilience.

The announcement came from the Head of Public Affairs at AMA. This was done on behalf of Mayor Michael Kpakpo Allotey.

The summit is scheduled for Tuesday, June 3, 2025. It will be held at the Omanye Aba Hall of the AMA at 10:00 a.m. The theme is “June 3rd, A Stern Reminder of Climate Inaction.”

The event will reflect on failures that led to the 2015 tragedy. It aims to mobilize support for ongoing adaptation measures.

AMA is partnering with Youth Climate Advocates for this summit. This collaboration is part of Phase II of the Youth Climate Action Fund (YCAF). The program empowers young people to contribute to climate solutions in their communities.

This year’s anniversary offers a chance to recommit to climate actions. The summit will include awareness campaigns in schools and stakeholder engagements. There will also be a major citywide clean-up exercise led by YCAF micro-grantees.

The clean-up will focus on desilting gutters and clearing plastic waste. Markets and adjoining streets across Accra will be targeted. This aims to enhance community participation in sanitation efforts.

In its long-term strategy, AMA outlined interventions for urban flooding issues. These aim to strengthen the city’s resilience against extreme weather events.

Routine maintenance of drains has intensified across three sub-metropolitan areas: Okaikoi South, Ablekuma South, and Ashiedu Keteke. Notable areas like Korle Woko Electoral Area and London Market have seen significant improvements.

AMA has addressed key flood-prone areas in Okaikoi and Ablekuma South. Work continues in Ashiedu Keteke to reduce flooding during rains.

The Assembly is collaborating with the Hydrological Services Authority to dredge the Odaw Channel. This channel is crucial for stormwater management during rainfall.

Additionally, AMA is using the Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development (GARID) Project for large-scale drainage improvements. These efforts aim to prevent water stagnation during heavy downpours.

Plans are underway to expand key drainage systems from 0.6 meters to 0.9 meters. This expansion addresses increased runoff due to rapid urbanization.

AMA urges residents, stakeholders, and community leaders to participate actively in these initiatives. Together, they can build a cleaner, safer, and more climate-resilient Accra.

“We must all take collective responsibility for our city's future,” concluded the statement.