After running a successful campaign against the first coal-fired power plant proposed by Shenzhen Energy Group’s in 2014 and 2015, 350 GROC, one of the oldest and active 350 regional volunteer-led local groups embarked on a campaign to push local and national leaders taking stronger measures and actions towards the implementation of renewable energy solutions.
Between 2016 and 2018, 350 GROC conducted a series of mobilisation actions and advocacy efforts across the country, raising awareness on the urgency to adopt renewables solutions, not only as a way of combating climate change but also a job opportunity for youths, contributing to the overall improvement of the well-being of Ghanaians.
Late August 2019, 350.org Africa team held a 3-day strategic workshop with members of 350 GROC aiming at reviewing the campaign’s achievements so far, getting a fair sense of challenges and opportunities and updating the campaign plans and calendar for the upcoming year. A session on storytelling and digital campaigning was also held during that workshop.
From strategic and effectiveness reasons, a decision to focus on 5 districts in the Greater Accra Region – namely Tema Metro, Accra Metro, Dangbe East district, Ningo Prampram, Kpone Katamanso and its local authorities and public institutions – with a specific campaign lead for each of those was adopted by participants at the workshop.
Starting from October 2019, 350 GROC will be taking a more proactive lead on solutions work in Ghana, pushing actively renewable energy as a viable option for Ghana and building on the strategic tier that promotes 100% renewable energy access for all.
For the Global Climate Strikes happening late September, the team will be lifting their voices high, asking the government of Ghana to raise its ambitions from 10% to 100% renewable energy by 2030 in the national energy mix.
The year 2020 being an election year for Ghana, 350 GROC intends to strategically use this avenue to ensure renewable energy is an option that Ghanaian leaders will commit and deliver on.
By Rukiya Khamis