Women in Wusuta in the North Dayi District of the Volta Region have been equipped with practical green skills through a briquette production training programme aimed at promoting clean energy, creating livelihood opportunities and strengthening community resilience to climate change.
The training, organised by the Renewable Energy for Communities Coalition (RE4CC) in collaboration with the African Just Transition Network, was held on 23 July 2026 as part of efforts to promote renewable energy solutions while empowering women to become active contributors to climate action and sustainable development.
Speaking during the programme, Lead of the Renewable Energy for Communities Coalition, Portia Adu-Mensah, said empowering women with practical renewable energy skills was essential to building resilient communities and advancing climate justice.
“Empowering women with practical renewable energy skills is one of the most effective ways to build resilient communities while advancing climate justice. Every woman trained today becomes an ambassador for clean energy and sustainable livelihoods,” she said.
Held under the theme “Empowering Women with Green Skills for a Stronger and Resilient Community,” the programme introduced participants to the production of environmentally friendly briquettes from coconut husks, an agricultural waste product often discarded in the community.
Through hands-on demonstrations, participants learned how coconut husks can be processed into clean-burning briquettes suitable for household cooking and other domestic energy needs.
The training highlighted the potential of converting agricultural waste into valuable energy products, reducing dependence on charcoal and firewood while helping to minimise environmental degradation.
Facilitators explained that coconut husk briquettes can produce less smoke, burn efficiently and provide a cleaner alternative to conventional cooking fuels, potentially contributing to improved household health and reduced carbon emissions.
During the practical session, Daniel, a facilitator, said briquette production was relatively simple and could be replicated using locally available materials.
“Briquette production is simple, affordable and can be replicated with locally available materials. Consistency in the preparation process determines the quality of the briquettes, and with practice, participants can turn this skill into a sustainable livelihood,” he said.
He encouraged participants to continue practising after the training and share their knowledge with others in their communities.
Beyond the environmental benefits, the programme highlighted the economic opportunities associated with briquette production. Participants were encouraged to explore the production and sale of briquettes within their communities and neighbouring markets as a potential source of income.
The initiative also demonstrated how clean energy solutions can create green jobs while strengthening local resilience to the impacts of climate change.
One participant said the training had opened up a new opportunity to generate income while protecting the environment.
“This training has opened my eyes to a new source of income while helping us protect our environment. Instead of wasting coconut husks, we can now turn them into something valuable for our families,” she said.
Another participant added, “I will share this knowledge with other women in my community because clean cooking solutions will improve our health, reduce the cost of fuel and create opportunities for us to earn an income.”
Participants expressed appreciation for the practical knowledge gained and pledged to share the skills with other women and young people in neighbouring communities.
The training reinforced the message that empowering women with climate-smart technologies is essential to achieving a just energy transition that leaves no one behind.
The Wusuta Briquette Training demonstrates how community-based initiatives can transform agricultural waste into sustainable energy solutions, improve livelihoods and contribute to Ghana’s efforts towards clean energy, climate justice and sustainable development.
The Renewable Energy for Communities Coalition said it is committed to supporting efforts to reduce carbon emissions and contribute to Ghana’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
The Coalition therefore called on stakeholders to intensify efforts to address climate change and make clean cooking a priority in Ghana and across Africa.
Portia Adu-Mensah further emphasised the importance of community participation in achieving Ghana’s climate goals.
“Achieving Ghana’s climate goals requires strong community participation. We remain committed to working with partners and communities to promote clean cooking solutions that protect lives, create jobs and safeguard the environment for future generations,” she said.
By: Stanley Bonney
