On September 27, 2024, Accra’s streets were alive with energy and purpose as passionate advocates for climate action took part in the “Vote for Renewable Energy” (Vote for RE) march. Organized by 350 Ghana Reducing Our Carbon (350 G-ROC), this event was more than a protest—it was a powerful call for change, urging Ghana’s policymakers to prioritize renewable energy solutions.
The March for a Cleaner, Greener Future
The march began at Danquah Circle, Osu, where participants from all walks of life—youth activists, students, environmentalists, and community leaders—gathered with one mission: to make renewable energy a national priority. Bold messages on banners read “Our Future is Renewable”, “Vote for Clean Energy”, and “Vote for Our Future”, as hundreds marched through Accra, advocating for climate action.
Souvenirs such as t-shirts, caps, and water bottles were distributed, with participants color-coded by affiliation: the Vote for RE team in green, coalition members in red, media in black, and students in white. Chants of climate justice echoed through the streets, culminating in a historic moment at Parliament House, where the marchers delivered a petition demanding action on renewable energy.
A Petition to Parliament: Advocating for Renewable Energy
The defining moment of the day was the submission of a formal petition to Parliament, urging policymakers to commit to increasing the share of renewable energy in Ghana’s energy mix to at least 30% by 2030. This would significantly reduce the country’s reliance on fossil fuels and hydropower while expanding solar and wind energy projects.
A selected group of Vote for RE members, along with media representatives, entered Parliament to present the petition. They were addressed by Madam Afia Tenge (Superintendent Rtd.), who praised the peaceful nature of the march and assured participants their concerns would be prioritized.
The petition was received by Honourable Ebenezer Ahumah Dzetrior, Deputy Clerk in charge of Corporate and Financial Management, who committed to forwarding it to Speaker of Parliament Honourable Alban Bagbin for further action.
Key Voices Amplified
Throughout the march, several environmentalists spoke passionately about the economic and social benefits of renewable energy, particularly for rural communities. Solar and wind energy, they argued, could electrify rural areas, reduce emissions, and create sustainable jobs.
One key success of the event was the participation of over 200 youth, including students from senior high schools and universities. The march gave them the platform to learn more about renewable energy, climate change, and the critical role they can play in shaping a sustainable future.
The Role of Media in Amplifying the Message
The march gained widespread media attention, further amplifying its impact. ZED FM ran in-depth radio interviews before the event, discussing the march’s significance https://www.facebook.com/share/v/SvCo2DYzj2DaWeVK/ and the need for renewable energy for sustainable development.
On the day of the event, TV3 and Onua TV were present, conducting interviews in both English and local languages, with live coverage shared on their websites. https://3news.com/news/climate-advocates-petition-parliament-for-renewable-energy-to-be-prioritised-on-ghanas-political-agenda/
The march was also streamed live on Facebook through the 350 Ghana Reducing Our Carbon page, ensuring that supporters nationwide could participate virtually.
The Parliament of Ghana created an in-house video, documenting the submission of the petition, adding to the visibility and credibility of the event.
A Growing Movement for Change
The Vote for RE march is part of a larger global movement for climate action. As the world prepares for the 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 28) in Dubai, pressure on world leaders to make tangible commitments to renewable energy is mounting.
In Ghana, this march was a major step in the fight for a greener, more sustainable future. Local schools and communities have started expressing interest in partnering with the Vote for RE team to incorporate renewable energy solutions into their operations, such as solar power systems. This is a clear sign that the march not only raised awareness but also inspired action at the community level.
Conclusion: Powering Up Ghana’s Future
The “Vote for Renewable Energy” march was a defining moment in Ghana’s climate movement, demonstrating the power of grassroots action. Led by Theodora Akosua Zor-Xatse and assisted by Priscilla Akoto, with advisement from Patricia Odeibea Bekoe, the event united Ghanaians from diverse backgrounds in calling for a renewable energy revolution.
As the climate crisis accelerates, events like the Vote for RE march remind us that change is possible—and that it’s the people who will lead the way. The future of Ghana lies in clean, renewable energy, and the message from this march was clear: it’s time to power up our future with renewables.
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