The Africa Women of Faith in Energy initiative was launched in response to the growing environmental and social impacts of Ghana’s fossil fuel expansion, particularly in communities like Anokyi and Ngalechi. Despite national commitments to renewable energy, continued investment in oil and gas has led to land loss, displacement, and environmental degradation disproportionately affecting women.
This initiative seeks to amplify the voices of grassroots women of faith in climate and energy justice advocacy. It aimed at empowering them to lead a just transition towards renewable energy solutions that are community-driven, inclusive, and sustainable.
Key Expectations included:
– Train 30 grassroots women leaders on Ghana’s energy landscape and just transition strategies.
– Document the social, economic, and environmental impacts of fossil fuel activities.
– Increase public awareness of the “just transition” through media and storytelling.
– Promote accessible, women-led renewable energy solutions.
– Share lessons from across Africa to strengthen local knowledge and advocacy.
– Issue a public statement advocating for gender-responsive, community-centered energy policies.
– Establish a national network of Women of Faith in Energy.
Achievements
Summary of all activities carried out or key deliverables and results obtained during the reporting periods. Include quantitative information
The community engagement held in Ngalekyi marked a significant milestone in advancing grassroots advocacy for renewable energy through the official launch of the Women of Faith in Energy Project. The event brought together grassroots multi-faith women leaders from three communities—Ngalekyi, Atuabo, and Anokyi. It was graced by key representatives from GreenFaith Africa, including Executive Director Meryne Warah, Women of Faith in Energy Project Coordinator Lynne Modester, and Finance Officer Philip Omollo and GreenFaith Ghana chapter memebers, who are all actively engaged in the energy and climate justice space.
The aim was to empower women to become active participants in the energy transition dialogue, advocate for sustainable solutions, and hold energy actors accountable to community welfare.
The Key Activities that went on includes the following:
Project Launch & Stakeholder Introductions:
The event commenced with a warm welcome for the delegations from Kenya and Accra, followed by self-introductions.
The Chief of Ngalekyi Nana Morkeh Kpanyinli IV expressed deep appreciation for GreenFaith Ghana’s initiative, recognizing its role in strengthening multi-faith women’s advocacy for renewable energy. He affirmed the community’s commitment to supporting GreenFaith’s work and acknowledged the need for women’s inclusion in energy decision-making processes.
Meryne Warah the Executive director of Greenfaith Africa in response shared insights from a prior community visits in the different countries(Uganda,Tanzania,Kenya,Nigeria and Ghana) the project was launched , where the they assessed the impacts of the gas processing plant on local livelihoods.
She noted that their initial visit to the community was an eye-opener, where they listened closely to the concerns of local women. As promised, they returned—not just as visitors, but as partners—providing a platform for the women to share their stories and shift the narrative of outsiders who often come once and never return to engage with the grassroots.
She emphasized that this follow-up visit aimed to launch the Women of Faith in Energy Project, enabling women to make informed energy choices regarding cooking and lighting sources.
She encouraged women to:
• Speak up about the energy-related challenges they face.
• Question policymakers on their plans to improve energy accessibility.
• Balance household responsibilities while advocating for better energy alternatives.
Result 1
Community Discussions: Women’s Experiences Led by Queen Mother Anazoa of Anokyi community.
During an interactive session, women of Anokyi and Ngalekyi community shared firsthand experiences on the impact of fossil fuel reliance and energy inaccessibility especially ever since the establishment of the Gas Processing Plant. They shared aspects of :
• Energy Challenges & Health Impacts:
Women rely on firewood and charcoal, requiring them to travel long distances to collect fuel.
Exposure to indoor air pollution leads to respiratory illnesses, including asthma.
Meryne recounted a tragic incident in Uganda, where a woman was sexually assaulted while gathering firewood, reinforcing the need for safe, renewable energy alternatives for women.
• Effects of the Gas Processing Plant on Livelihoods:
Decline in farming, fishing, and livestock rearing due to pollution and environmental degradation.
Increased cases of high blood pressure caused by rising temperatures, forcing families to sleep outdoors despite mosquito risks.
Pollution from gas flaring contaminates rainwater, rendering it unsafe for consumption.
Lack of compensation for displaced community members whose lands were taken for the gas plant.
Result 2 : Chief’s Perspective on Climate and Community Challenges:
The Chief lamented the loss of indigenous businesses and rising social issues caused by the gas plant’s establishment. He questioned whether the community should abandon its ancestral lands, highlighting unfulfilled promises by Ghana Gas regarding community benefits. Which he later stated that they are indigenous people and can’t leave their ancestral home for anyone.
Ghana’s Energy Transition: Insights from Gifty Elikplim Abenyefia
Gifty provided an overview of Ghana’s electrification history, tracing it back to the Akosombo Dam (1960s). While hydroelectric power improved national electrification, energy accessibility gaps remain, particularly in marginalized communities. She said that government welcomed some other enery sources to help Ghana energy accessibility plans. She added that as government signed unto some international treaties, the government developed the Ghana’s Energy Transition Plan to help Ghana transition to clean energy sources.
She outlined Ghana’s Energy Transition Plan, a 40-year roadmap for achieving sustainable energy solutions. However, she noted that the gas processing plant, intended to enhance electrification, has negatively impacted host communities.
Result 3
Key Advocacy Points Raised by Women
1. Solar Energy for Economic Empowerment:
Women can advocate for solar panel installations to sustain businesses despite power outages.
2. Subsidized Gas Stations for Affected Communities:
Women suggested that Ghana Gas should set up subsidized gas stations in communities affected by fossil fuel projects as they even pay higher fees compared to other communities.
3. Affordability of Renewable Energy:
Calls for government subsidies on solar products to improve accessibility.
Requests for solar bulbs and streetlights to be distributed in communities without electricity.
Complaints about high electricity tariffs, with appeals for reduced rates.
Disaster Preparedness: Insights from the National Disaster Management Organization NADMO (Esinam)
Esenam Adzo Norgbey Apawu, the deputy director, of the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) Korle Klottey Municipal Assembly, outlined community safety measures shared disaster preparedness tips for communities located near gas infrastructure. They emphasized the importance of securing official documentation, contacting relevant agencies (e.g., EPA), and participating in local planning processes
– Migration of young people has left many women as the sole heads of households, increasing their economic burden.
– The frequent use of open flames for cooking poses serious risks in case of gas leaks.
Result 4
• Legal & Institutional Advocacy:
– She encouraged women to demand official documentation on the gas plant’s establishment, which could serve as leverage for negotiations & demand for promises made out to communities before the establishment of the gas processing plant.
– They advised community members to engage the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) at the district assembly to understand what measures have been taken for environmental safety.
– She emphasized the need for emergency contact awareness of security agencies and community-based disaster preparedness training.
Result 5
•Political & Social Barriers to Advocacy
– The Chief acknowledged that political differences hinder collective action.
– He proposed organizing peaceful demonstrations and media engagements to advocate for subsidized gas prices for affected communities.
– Women were encouraged to leverage faith-based organizations as neutral advocacy platforms to amplify their concerns beyond political biases.
The last activity for the day was
Focus Group Discussions: Women’s Perspectives on Energy Issues.
Under the facilitation of Lynn Modester, women participated in focus group discussions to assess energy challenges and propose solutions. They were divided into two groups based on their communities: Anokyi and Ngalekyi. Each group responded to three key questions:
1. What are the preferred or available energy sources in their communities?
2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of these energy sources?
3. What can women of faith do to address the energy issues they identified?
Anokyi Community
During their presentation, the women of Anokyi stated that the sun is the most available energy source in their community, as the area is predominantly hot.
• Advantages: They noted that solar energy could help reduce electricity costs, providing a sustainable alternative to grid power.
• Disadvantages: They highlighted that solar panels are vulnerable to damage due to strong winds in the area.
• Proposed Actions: The women resolved to collectively write a letter to the District Chief Executive (DCE), as the assembly has the mandate to represent their concerns at the government level.
Ngalekyi Community
The women of Ngalekyi also identified solar energy as the most available energy source in their community.
• Proposed Actions: They decided to embark on public community education, sharing the knowledge acquired with fellow community members who were not present at the training sessions. Additionally, they committed to leveraging social media to raise awareness and amplify their concerns on energy accessibility.
Recommendations from Women after group discussions:
• Faith leaders should write letters to District Chief Executives (DCEs) requesting government officials to engage with affected communities.
• Women leaders will push for subsidized solar panels and clean cooking stoves.
• Ghana Gas should be petitioned to build a gas station with fair pricing in the communities.
• Women will advocate for inclusion in council meetings where energy policies are discussed.
Closing Remarks
In her closing remarks, Meryne Warah reaffirmed GreenFaith’s commitment to leading advocacy efforts for energy justice in the affected communities. She emphasized the need for continued dialogue between Members of Parliament (MPs), government officials, and women to ensure inclusive decision-making on energy-related issues.
She encouraged faith leaders to take an active role by engaging with the District Chief Executives (DCEs) to demand governmental action on energy challenges.
This engagement not only elevated women’s voices but also laid the groundwork for continued action, policy engagement, and inclusive development in the communities most affected by fossil fuel activities.
The discussions set the stage for future collaborations with stakeholders to promote fair energy policies and sustainable alternatives for Ghana’s most vulnerable communities.
Key Outputs
– Project Launch: Introduced the Women of Faith in Energyinitiative to empower grassroots women in energy advocacy.
– Community Voices Amplified: Women shared direct impacts of fossil fuels- health risks, economic hardship, and environmental degradation.
– Advocacy Priorities Identified: Calls for solar energy access, clean cookstoves, fair gas pricing, and reduced electricity tariffs.
– Action Plans by Communities:
– Anokyi: Petition to District Chief Executive for energy support.
– Ngalekyi: Launch awareness campaigns via public education and social media.
– Institutional Engagement: NADMO urged legal advocacy and safety awareness around gas infrastructure.
Recommendations
To enhance the project’s performance and impact, it would be beneficial to integrate renewable energy business models that promote women’s involvement in clean energy enterprises within grassroots communities. In addition to capacity building, the project can support the distribution of discounted or free solar lamps and other affordable renewable energy solutions. This would not only ease the financial burden on households but also accelerate the adoption of sustainable energy alternatives. Empowering women through entrepreneurship and access to clean energy technologies can drive long-term economic resilience and energy justice at the community level.