The European Union Delegation to Ghana, in collaboration with the Embassy of the Netherlands and the French Embassy in Ghana has organised the first ever “Ride with Team Europe” cycling and sustainability event for 158 registered cyclists.
The event, which took place over the weekend, began at the Accra Sports Stadium and covered a 12.6 kilometer route, through some of Accra’s notable areas.
The Cyclists navigated through the Ministries, Ridge and made a stop at the Netherlands Embassy for a refreshing water break.
Cyclists of all ages participated in the ride, which was lauded for not only promoting fitness, but also encouraging participants to consider the environmental benefits of cycling as an alternative to carbon-intensive modes of transport.
The ride then proceeded through the Mahama Roundabout, onto the 37 Road and finally ended at Alliance Française, where the event concluded with side activities such as a sustainable fashion show, art exhibition and a picnic featuring a sustainable food market.
The event also included side activities which included a sustainable fashion show and art exhibition, as well as a picnic and sustainable food market.
The event is aimed at promoting sustainable transportation and lifestyle choices, foster community engagement and showcase European values.
Speaking at the event, a representative from the European Union Delegation, H.E Irchad Razaaly highlighted the importance of such activities in promoting green solutions and inspiring both locals and diplomats to adopt sustainable practices.
“This ride goes beyond cycling; it’s about engaging with the community to create awareness about the critical need for sustainable transportation and eco-friendly choices,” they noted.
He called for a greater focus on building cycling-friendly cities in Ghana, emphasising the importance of sustainability and shared mobility.
The Ambassador also highlighted how cycling is not just about health, but also about designing cities that promote sustainability for current and future generations.
He added that creating cycling-friendly cities is essential not only for reducing environmental pollution but also for promoting equitable access to mobility and road safety.
The Ambassador further explained that this transformation would require strong policies, engagement, and stamina to achieve long-term goals.
The French Ambassador to Ghana, H.E Jules Armand Aniambossou, reiterated France’s strong commitment to sustainability, emphasising the need for collaboration and practical action at both the global and local levels.
Speaking at a cycling event, the Ambassador stressed that while summits and meetings with leaders are important, true progress relies on involving real people in efforts to protect the environment.
“We can organise meetings with presidents and ministers to talk about sustainability, but at the end of the day, to really be able to change things, we need to involve people like you,” the Ambassador stated.
Highlighting France’s role in global sustainability efforts, the Ambassador referenced the upcoming COP29 summit in Baku, where France and the European Union will present their strategies for reducing greenhouse gases and fossil fuel consumption.
The Ambassador also discussed France’s leadership in the financing of sustainable development through the Paris Pact for People and Planet (4P), a framework that seeks to accelerate development while protecting the environment.
He noted that France remains committed to finding innovative solutions to help developing countries continue growing while addressing environmental concerns.
The Netherlands Ambassador to Ghana, H.E Jeroen Verheul, praised the benefits of cycling, calling for greater promotion of the practice in Ghana, while addressing safety and status concerns that deter its widespread adoption.
The Ambassador highlighted cycling’s convenience, health benefits, and environmental advantages, noting that in the Netherlands, a country of 18 million people, there are 24 million bicycles, demonstrating a strong cycling culture.
He outlined five key criteria that influence people’s mobility choices, summarizing them with the acronym “CHESS”—Convenience, Health, Environment, Safety and Status.
While cycling is common in the Netherlands, he pointed out that Ghana lacks this culture due to safety concerns and societal perceptions.
The Ambassador emphasised that the government needs to address the safety of cyclists, especially in cities like Accra and Kumasi, where cycling is dangerous due to the lack of respect from drivers and the absence of protective infrastructure.
He noted that cycling should be promoted as a healthy and environmentally friendly option, but policy reforms must ensure the safety of cyclists on the roads.
