The Wusuta community in the North Dayi District of the Volta Region has intensified calls for renewable energy adoption and climate justice, with stakeholders urging greater community participation in Ghana’s transition to clean energy.
The call was made during a vibrant Community Durbar held in Wusuta, which brought together community members, traditional leaders, youth groups, women, civil society organisations and development partners to deepen discussions on renewable energy, climate justice and Ghana’s just energy transition.
The event also provided an opportunity to showcase the final products of briquettes produced from coconut husks as an alternative clean cooking solution.
The durbar was organised by the Renewable Energy for Communities Coalition (RE4CC), a coalition focused on advocating for clean energy and providing alternative energy solutions to underserved communities in Ghana, in collaboration with the African Just Transition Network.
“Communities like Wusuta are demonstrating that the just energy transition becomes meaningful when local people, especially women, are equipped with practical solutions that improve livelihoods while protecting the environment,” said Elsie Klu, a core team member of the Renewable Energy for Communities Coalition.
“Our commitment is to ensure that no community is left behind in the transition to clean energy, and we will continue supporting grassroots initiatives that promote renewable energy and climate justice,” she added.
Held under the theme “Championing Just Energy Transition, Renewable Energy and Climate Justice,” the durbar provided an inclusive platform for stakeholders to discuss practical responses to climate change while promoting clean and affordable energy alternatives for rural communities.
The gathering highlighted the importance of ensuring that communities are not only beneficiaries of renewable energy initiatives but also active participants in shaping Ghana’s energy future.
Participants explored the environmental, social and economic benefits of transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources such as solar power.
Discussions also focused on the need for greater public awareness, community participation and stronger collaboration among government institutions, civil society organisations and local authorities to accelerate Ghana’s clean energy agenda.
Speakers emphasised that climate justice requires equitable access to sustainable energy, particularly for underserved communities that continue to face energy poverty and are disproportionately affected by climate change.
They called for policies and investments that prioritise community needs, create green jobs and strengthen local resilience against climate-related challenges.
Queen Mother Mamaga Asantewaa II commended the initiative, saying, “This training has opened the eyes of our women and young people to opportunities that can improve our homes and protect our environment. I have seen the excitement and confidence it has created in the community.”
She further urged residents to embrace clean energy solutions.
“Let us embrace clean cooking solutions because they protect our health, preserve our forests and secure a better future for our children. This knowledge should spread to every household in Wusuta,” she said.
The durbar also encouraged participants to become ambassadors for renewable energy by educating their families and communities on environmentally responsible practices, supporting clean cooking technologies and advocating for sustainable development initiatives.
Through open dialogue and community engagement, residents gained a better understanding of their role in advancing a just transition that leaves no one behind.
A community member said the initiative had broadened their understanding of renewable energy and clean cooking solutions.
“Today I have learnt that renewable energy is not only about electricity; it also includes clean cooking solutions like briquettes that can reduce smoke and save money.
“The Coalition has taught us that everyone has a role to play in protecting the environment, and we now understand how climate change affects our daily lives.
“I will share what I have learnt with my family and neighbours so that more people can adopt these clean energy solutions,” the community member said.
The event reaffirmed that meaningful climate action begins at the community level. By empowering local voices and fostering partnerships, the Wusuta Community Durbar demonstrated how grassroots engagement can contribute to national efforts towards a cleaner, more resilient and inclusive energy future.
The initiative further reinforced commitments to the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Affordable and Clean Energy (Goal 7), Climate Action (Goal 13), and Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions (Goal 16), while inspiring collective action towards a healthier environment and sustainable development for present and future generations.
By: Stanley Bonney
Email: bonneystanley9@gmail.com
