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Accra to mark 10th Anniversary of June 3rd Disaster with Climate Summit and Citywide Clean-Up
The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), in collaboration with youth-led environmental groups, will mark the 10th anniversary of the June 3 Twin Disaster with a citywide climate summit and sanitation campaign aimed at spotlighting the urgent need for climate action and urban resilience.
The announcement was made in a statement signed by the Head of Public Affairs of the AMA on behalf of the Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey.
According to the statement, the commemorative summit, scheduled for Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at the Omanye Aba Hall of the AMA at 10:00 a.m. would be held under the theme: “June 3, A Stern Reminder of Climate Inaction,”
and reflect on the infrastructural, environmental, and governance failures that contributed to the 2015 tragedy while mobilising support for ongoing adaptation measures.
The AMA in the statement stated that the summit was being organised in partnership with Youth Climate Advocates under Phase II of the Youth Climate Action Fund (YCAF), a programme aimed at empowering young people to contribute to climate solutions in their communities.
“Beyond remembrance, this year’s June 3rd anniversary presents a vital opportunity to recommit to concrete climate actions, the summit will be accompanied by targeted climate awareness campaigns in schools, stakeholder engagements, and a major citywide clean-up exercise led by YCAF micro-grantees,” the statement read.
The clean-up exercise, according to the AMA, would focus on desilting gutters and clearing plastic waste from markets and adjoining streets across Accra to enhance community participation in sanitation and deepen environmental consciousness at the grassroots level.
In line with its long-term climate adaptation strategy, the Assembly also outlined a series of ongoing interventions aimed at addressing the root causes of urban flooding and strengthening the city’s resilience to extreme weather.
The statement indicated that the Assembly had intensified routine maintenance of tertiary and secondary drains across the three sub-metropolitan areas: Okaikoi South, Ablekuma South, and Ashiedu Keteke.
Notable areas such as the Korle Woko Electoral Area and London Market have already seen significant interventions.
“The AMA has covered key flood-prone areas in Okaikoi and Ablekuma South, and work is ongoing in Ashiedu Keteke…This is helping reduce the likelihood of intermediate flooding during the rains,” the statement added.
The Assembly disclosed that it was working closely with the Hydrological Services Authority to dredge the Odaw Channel—Accra’s main storm water conduit—to ensure unimpeded water flow during rainfall.
Additionally, the statement noted that the Assembly was leveraging the Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development (GARID) Project to undertake large-scale desilting of critical drainage basins.
These operations, the statement noted was intended to boost the hydraulic performance of the city’s drains and avert water stagnation and overflows during downpours.
“As part of the broader flood mitigation framework, plans are also underway to collaborate with the Urban Roads Department to expand key drainage systems from 0.6 meters to 0.9 metres to accommodate growing volumes of runoff due to rapid urbanisation,” the statement stated.
The statement urged residents, stakeholders, and community leaders to actively participate in the summit and related activities to build a cleaner, safer, and climate-resilient Accra.
“We must all take collective responsibility for the safety and future of our city,” the statement concluded.
News
‘Thousands of Ghanaian women suffering from Obstetric Fistula’
Thousands of Ghanaian women continue to suffer in silence from Obstetric Fistula (OF) due to inadequate access to surgical treatment, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has revealed.
Dr Wilfred Ochan, UNFPA’s Country Representative, disclosed that over the past decade, Ghana has accumulated a backlog of more than 12,000 untreated cases, despite recording an estimated 1,300 new cases each year.
He made the remarks during a visit to the New Times Corporation (NTC) in Accra to mark the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula (IDEOF).
“Only 1,000 repairs have been done in 10 years. That leaves thousands of women isolated, in pain, and excluded from society due to a condition that is both preventable and treatable,” Dr Ochan said.
He stressed the need for greater investment in surgical capacity, public awareness, and partnership, especially with the private sector— to accelerate Ghana’s efforts to eliminate the condition by 2030.
Obstetric Fistula results from prolonged or obstructed labour without timely medical care, causing a hole between the birth canal and bladder or rectum, leading to continuous leakage of urine or faeces. The consequences include stigma, chronic incontinence, and often, the death of the baby.
To help close the treatment gap, the UNFPA is working with health institutions including the Komfo Anokye and Cape Coast Teaching hospitals to scale up surgeries and outreach.
“We must not allow women to suffer lifelong trauma for simply trying to give life,” Dr Ochan urged.
The Managing Director, Mr Martin Adu-Owusu, pledged NTC’s support in raising public awareness and promoting maternal health initiatives.
“We are ready to collaborate with you to ensure that maternal deaths and issues affecting women come down to the barest minimum so that together we can achieve the UN goal to eliminating Obstetric Fistula by 2030,” he said
By Esinam Jemima Esinam
News
Inflated prices of Abaya, Jalabiya on Eid-al-Adha celebration
Muslims in Ghana and all over the world yesterday observed the Eid-al-Adha celebration.
It falls on the first day of Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic calendar and is celebrated by Muslims to mark the end of the month-long dawn-to-dusk fasting of Ramadan.
The build up to yesterday’s edition was characterised by a high demand for traditional Islamic attire here in Tamale, leading to a sharp rise in prices.
Checks by The Spectator from the various markets in the Tamale area revealed that prices for popular outfits like the Abaya, Jalabiya, and Kaftan have skyrocketed within the period.
Although there is no prescribed outfit for the celebration, many Muslims in Tamale traditionally choose modest and loose-fitting garments that reflect Islamic values.
Abayas and Jalabiyas often imported from Turkey, Dubai, Egypt, and Northern Nigeria have become particularly the most sought-after attires, resulting in the price hikes.
Currently, prices for men’s attire range from GH₵250 to GH₵800 while women’s outfits are selling from GH₵350 to GH₵1000.
Children’s garments are also not left out of the pricing craze. Bargaining for the youngsters starts from GH₵150.
Hajia Naila Abdul Karim, owner of ‘Cover with Style,’ confirmed a significant surge in sales in the holy month.
“Each day, more than 20 people, mostly women walk into the shop. We also send over 40 parcels daily to customers across the country,” she stated.
She attributed the price increases to the cedi’s depreciation and a recent shortage of Turkish imports, noting that most of her stock now comes from Dubai.
Hamdia Kamil, a loyal customer, shared her experience: “Two years ago, I bought an Abaya for GH₵350. This year, it’s GH₵650. I had no choice because it’s a special occasion and I want to feel good. Still, I hope the dresses are made affordable so others can also celebrate in style.”
At Baby Last Closet in Sakasaka, another fashion outlet, prices for women’s outfits range from GH₵350 to GH₵1,300, while men’s attire goes from GH₵250 to GH₵1,000.
“Some customers complain about the cost, but because it’s Ramadan, many still go ahead and buy,” said the shop owner.
Similarly, Mandy’s Haven at Zogbeli sells exclusively for Eid celebrations, dealing in high-end Abayas, Jalabiyas, and Kaftan materials. Prices there reflect quality and origin, with female attire ranging from GH₵450 to GH₵5,000, and kaftan fabric sold at GH₵200 per yard.
For many, including resident Iddrisu Suale, the holy month remains a sacred period despite the economic pressures. “Things are expensive this year, but I still want to make the day special for my children. I plan to get them Abayas and Jalabiyas from Egypt,” he indicated.
Despite the bustling nature of preparation and the high cost of goods, resident expressed optimism of having a good time in observing the deep spiritual significance of the occasion.
Story & photos by Paul Dery
