Accra: The African Union, in collaboration with ECOWAS and the German Development Agency (GIZ), has initiated an urban resilience project focused on enhancing the capacity of cities across West Africa to incorporate climate and disaster risk factors into their urban development planning.
According to Ghana News Agency, the project, named 'Resilience Initiative Africa,' was introduced during a regional workshop in Accra. Urban leaders and municipal executives from ten West African countries participated in the event, receiving technical training and exchanging ideas on developing climate-resilient cities.
Professor Emmanuel Osuteye, Urban Resilience Technical Advisor at the African Union Commission, outlined the project's goal to counter the trend of unplanned urban development by integrating risk analysis into urban planning. He emphasized the increasing vulnerability of cities to climate impacts such as flooding and extreme heat and highlighted the initiative's focus on fostering regional collaboration to identify risks and create localized solutions.
The programme prioritizes capacity building by equipping city authorities with knowledge, tools, and planning techniques, supported by peer-to-peer learning. The African Union aims to address urban resilience through grassroots implementation, involving municipal authorities responsible for planning and service delivery.
Representing the Ministry of Climate Change and Sustainability, Mr. Cedric Dzelu underscored Ghana's commitment to integrating climate action into all governance levels. He noted the economic impact of climate-related disasters and the government's efforts to address these challenges through the establishment of a dedicated climate change and sustainability unit.
Mr. Dzelu mentioned that the unit's structure and training would be extended to various governmental entities, emphasizing the need for decentralized responses to climate challenges. A proposal is underway to legally establish these units and ensure they are equipped with the necessary resources.
Dr. Sintiki Ugbe, Director of the Humanitarian and Social Affairs Directorate at ECOWAS, stressed the importance of the workshop in strengthening capacity and addressing climate-related issues. She encouraged African leaders to view climate change as an opportunity for growth, advocating for a balanced perspective on the climate's impact on the region.
