Second Lady Hajia Samira Bawumia, the wife of the Vice President and a Global Ambassador for the United Nations' Clean Cooking Alliance toured Jamestown, a suburb of Accra, to assess cooking methods and fuel sources used by residents. The tour, conducted in collaboration with Michael Regan, the Administrator of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US-EPA), aimed to find ways to improve traditional cooking practices for environmental sustainability and public health.
Jamestown, known for its rich cultural history, was chosen as the setting for the tour due to its representation of a typical Ghanaian community. The area faces challenges with traditional cooking methods that rely on less sustainable fuel sources like charcoal, firewood, and tyres.
During the tour, Hajia Samira Bawumia and Ambassador Regan interacted with residents and visited households, fish-smoking facilities, a kenkey house, and a Banku joint to observe cooking methods and fuels in use. The delegation engaged in discussions on alternative cooking methods and explored potential cleaner, sustainable, and environmentally friendly fuel sources for the local population.
Hajia Samira Bawumia emphasized the government's commitment to addressing challenges related to the cost of Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) and making it more accessible. She highlighted the health risks associated with unclean cooking practices and expressed the need to transition from firewood and charcoal to cleaner energy sources.
Administrator Regan emphasized the importance of providing access to clean cooking for everyone, irrespective of their location or status. The visit showcased a collaboration between Ghana and the United States, reflecting shared dedication to improving public health and sustainable living practices.
Other members of the delegation included Dr. Henry Kokofu, the Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency, Ambassador Virginia Palmer, the United States Ambassador to Ghana, and Mr. Derrick Johnson, the Chief Executive Officer of the US National Association for the Advancement of Coloured People (NAACP).