Accra marks 10th anniversary of June 3rd disaster with climate summit and citywide clean-up today

The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) is marking the 10th anniversary of the June 3rd Twin Disaster. They will hold a citywide climate summit and sanitation campaign. This event aims to highlight the urgent need for climate action and urban resilience.

The announcement came from the Head of Public Affairs at AMA. It was made on behalf of Accra's Mayor, Hon. Michael Kpakpo Allotey. The summit is scheduled for Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. It will take place at the Omanye Aba Hall of the AMA.

The theme for this year's summit is “June 3rd, A Stern Reminder of Climate Inaction.” The event will reflect on failures that contributed to the 2015 tragedy. It will also mobilize support for ongoing adaptation measures.

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

This year’s anniversary offers a chance to recommit to concrete climate actions. The summit will include targeted climate 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 from markets and streets in Accra. This initiative aims to enhance community participation in sanitation efforts. It also seeks to deepen environmental consciousness at the grassroots level.

As part of its long-term climate adaptation strategy, the Assembly has ongoing interventions. These aim to address urban flooding causes and strengthen resilience against extreme weather events.

The statement noted that routine maintenance of drains has intensified across three sub-metropolitan areas: Okaikoi South, Ablekuma South, and Ashiedu Keteke. Significant interventions have already occurred in areas like Korle Woko Electoral Area and London Market.

The AMA has covered key flood-prone areas in Okaikoi and Ablekuma South. Work is ongoing in Ashiedu Keteke as well, reducing flooding risks during rains.

Additionally, the Assembly collaborates with the Hydrological Services Authority to dredge the Odaw Channel. This channel is Accra’s main stormwater conduit, ensuring water flows freely during rainfall.

They are also leveraging the Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development (GARID) Project for large-scale drainage improvements. These operations aim to boost drain performance and prevent water stagnation during heavy rains.

Plans are underway to work with the Urban Roads Department on expanding drainage systems from 0.6 meters to 0.9 meters. This expansion accommodates increased runoff due to rapid urbanization.

The statement urged residents, stakeholders, and community leaders to participate actively in these activities. Together, they can build a cleaner, safer, and more climate-resilient Accra.

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