The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has made a noteworthy appointment by selecting Sahr Abraham GRASS-SESSAY to serve as their Regional Technical Expert on Climate-Energy for ECOWAS Member States supported by AECID. This appointment underscores the region’s commitment to addressing the energy deficit and climate emergency challenges by deploying the expertise of an accomplished professional.
Sahr Abraham GRASS-SESSAY has an impressive profile, having accumulated nearly two decades of corporate experience working with 7 UN Agencies and Multilateral Development Organizations across 35 countries on the African continent. His most recent assignments prior to this appointment include serving as Policy Adviser to the UN Environment Programme, where he played a pivotal role in shaping environmental and ocean governance policies for coastal countries in West, Central and Southern Africa regions. He also served as FAO Programme Coordinator, where he demonstrated aptness in facilitating multi-stakeholder partnership between FAO, AU and the African Development Bank in scaling up investment on youth employment in the agricultural sector for EAC countries. His extensive background working with international organizations on cross-boarder projects uniquely position him to tackle complex regional climate-energy challenges in West Africa.
Furthermore, Sahr Abraham GRASS-SESSAY has distinguished himself as the Founder Managing Director of the Institute of Leadership, Energy, Environment and Management i.e., ILEM-Africa Consultancy Firm (www.ilem-africa.org). Under his leadership in 4years, ILEM-Africa has become a reputable Firm providing intercontinental technical assistance geared towards improving the wellbeing of people in Africa. His effort in establishing a premier service driven institution, underpins his commitment to progressive development of the African continent.
Seconded to ECOWAS’ specialized agency on Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ECREEE), Sahr Abraham GRASS-SESSAY in his new capacity will provide technical leadership on programming, advise on investment of proof of concept in energy ecosystems, and support the implementation of distributed energy solutions for productive use in ECOWAS Member States.
ECOWAS’ decision to appoint Sahr Abraham GRASS-SESSAY is an appraisal of his multidisciplinary policy and programme development expertise, and proven track-record experience in Institutional State-Building which are critical elements for an effective state-level and inter-governmental coordination. His involvement in promoting Green Jobs and in enhancing Energy Access for productive use is a testament of his contribution to achieving targets of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Consistent with the themes he is most passionate about related to taking just climate action, and to securing energy sovereignty for energy poor communities, Sahr Abraham GRASS-SESSAY is set to assume this appointment with the utmost possible diligence. He will be a valuable asset in driving forward ECREEE’s mission on access to carbon neutral energy solutions that would create real environmental, and socio-economic impact in West Africa.
