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Floods devastate Accra yearly, yet blame is endlessly recycled among citizens, planners, and politicians. Weak enforcement, chaotic land processes, and public indifference fuel the crisis. Ghana doesn't lack plans—it lacks discipline and coordinated action. From enforcing controls to rethinking drainage, we must move beyond finger-pointing and co-create resilient solutions before the next storm makes excuses our only infrastructure.

In many African countries, social networks shape access to public services. A study by Osei, Konte, and Avenyo shows that connections can help the wealthy avoid bribes and the poor navigate weak systems. But when do relationships become corruption? The line between networking and nepotism blurs in unequal systems. Rather than a moral verdict, the study calls for reforms that balance fairness with the realities of relationship-based access.

Climate action in the Global South may not stem from global ideals, but from local, tangible benefits. Instead of moral appeals, effective advocacy must focus on personal gains like lower energy costs or better air quality. Gain framing, not fear of loss, drives cooperation. To engage sceptics and unlock climate action, understand context, identify individual incentives, and show how action serves self-interest as well as the planet.

Inter-municipal cooperation is key to reducing CO2 emissions in metropolitan areas. Our study of 229 cities across 16 OECD countries shows that when local governments collaborate on transport, environmental outcomes improve. Fragmented or consolidated governance structures alone are not enough. Policy coherence, enforcement, and incentives for cooperation are critical to achieving climate goals at the city-regional scale.

Political empowerment of women in Africa. Influence or just a numbers game?