AMA Launches Citywide Heat Campaign and Resident Survey to Tackle Extreme Temperature
The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has rolled out a citywide Heat Awareness Campaign and an Extreme Heat Perceptions Survey to understand how rising temperatures are affecting people living and working in the capital.
The initiative is being implemented with technical support from Heat Resilience for All, formerly Climate Resilience for All, and CAPA Strategies.
Target areas include major commercial hubs and vulnerable communities such as Makola Market, Kaneshie Market, Agbogbloshie Market, Old Fadama, Chorkor, Jamestown, Korle Gonno and CMB.
According to AMA, the goal is to document residents’ lived experiences with extreme heat and use the findings to strengthen the city’s climate resilience plans.
Mayor of Accra, Mr. Michael Kpakpo Allotey, said the survey will collect direct feedback on how heat is impacting health, livelihoods, productivity, sleep, transport, daily routines and access to basic services.
“The selected areas represent different social, commercial and environmental conditions in Accra. This will help us understand how heat affects traders, transport operators, workers and households differently,” Mr. Allotey said.
He explained that the survey complements a recent heat mapping exercise where temperature sensors were installed across the city to identify heat hotspots and track temperature variations by neighbourhoods.
Data from both the scientific mapping and the community survey, he added, will guide evidence-based urban planning, public health responses and future heat awareness programmes.
The Mayor said findings will also inform practical solutions such as public education, greening projects, cooling interventions and policies tailored to protect vulnerable groups.
As part of the campaign, residents are being educated on health risks linked to extreme heat and simple preventive steps like staying hydrated, seeking shade during peak hours, limiting sun exposure, and checking on elderly and vulnerable neighbours.
Mr. Allotey noted that the partnership with Heat Resilience for All and CAPA Strategies reflects AMA’s commitment to working with experts to build a safer, healthier and more climate-resilient Accra.
He urged traders, transport operators, community leaders and residents to support the exercise and collaborate with the Assembly to reduce the effects of extreme heat across the metropolis.
Bala Ali, ISD
