Hajia Samira Bawumia, the wife of the Vice President, and a Global Ambassador for the United Nations’ Clean Cooking Alliance, recently took a tour of Jamestown, a suburb of Accra, to assess the common cooking methods and sources of fuel used by the residents.
The primary goal of the tour was to find ways to improve these methods to ensure environmental sustainability and good health. Joining her on the tour was Michael Regan, the Administrator of the United States’ Environmental Protection Agency (US-EPA). The tour underscored a collaborative effort to promote clean cooking for environmental sustainability in Ghana.
Jamestown, with its rich cultural and historical significance, served as an ideal setting for the exercise, being reflective of a typical Ghanaian community. The vibrant community faces challenges with traditional cooking methods that often rely on less sustainable fuel sources, including charcoal, firewood, and tires.
Throughout the tour, Hajia Samira Bawumia and Ambassador Regan interacted with residents to gain firsthand insights into the traditional cooking practices prevalent in the area. They visited several households, including two fish smoking facilities, a kenkey house, and a Banku joint, observing the methods and fuels used in preserving fish and preparing meals.
Speaking during the tour, Mrs. Bawumia emphasized the importance of embracing more sustainable and health-friendly cooking practices. She also highlighted the government’s commitment to resolving challenges associated with the cost of Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG), making it more accessible to citizens.
Administrator Regan echoed Mrs. Bawumia’s sentiments, stating that everyone should have access to clean cooking, regardless of their background or location. The visit not only highlighted strong Ghana-United States relations but also reflected a shared dedication to improving public health and sustainable living practices.
The tour of Jamestown serves as a crucial step in the effort to promote environmentally sustainable and health-friendly cooking practices in Ghana. With global ambassadors and government support, it is hoped that communities will transition to cleaner energy sources, ensuring a safer and healthier future for all.
