Students empowered for climate action through green scholars programme
Students have been urged to take an active role in addressing climate change through education, partnerships and practical action.
A sustainable environmental and social impact NGO, Drasi Africa, which made the call, maintained that climate change remained one of the most pressing environmental issues globally, affecting vulnerable communities, especially the youth.
The Manager of Drasi Africa, Deborah Nissi Diafo, made the call at the launch of the Ghana Scholars Programme, an initiative aimed at empowering young people to contribute to climate action and environmental sustainability.
The programme, organised by the Pan African Centre for Climate Policy (PACCP), in collaboration with Drasi Africa, brought together students of St Thomas Aquinas Senior High School and Presbyterian Senior High School-La, as well as other stakeholders, to discuss solutions to environmental challenges.
The initiative seeks to build a network of young leaders committed to climate action.
“Since our founding in March 2017, the PACCP has remained committed to combating climate change, advancing environmental education and empowering communities across Africa.
“Our goal is to raise awareness of climate risk and build resilience within African communities to inform and strengthen climate policies,” Mrs Diafo explained.
The Deputy Director, Mining, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Dr Patrick Essien, emphasised the need to equip young people with knowledge and skills to address environmental issues.
“Ghana needs a citizenry that understands the relationship between human activities and environmental well-being and that is prepared to act responsibly.
“This is why programmes such as the Ghana Green Scholars Programme are both timely and strategic. They help translate environmental awareness into environmental action,” he added.
Climate change partnerships
For his part, the Country Director of PACCP, Rev. Dr Kwame Frimpong, highlighted the importance of partnerships in tackling climate change.
He said collaboration between institutions in the country and countries such as Canada would help build resilient strategies and promote policy dialogue.
Rev. Dr Frimpong added that the initiative would create awareness and provide a platform for collective action among students.
“Today, we are proud to launch the Ghana Green Scholars Programme, a flagship initiative aimed at integrating environmental education into every senior high school in Ghana.
“This programme seeks to ignite passion among our youth, equipping them with the knowledge, skills and leadership qualities needed to address climate challenges,” he said.
He emphasised the importance of engaging youth in environmental education and climate discussions.
The programme will include a series of dialogues over the next few months, focusing on climate change and biodiversity laws.
Participants were encouraged to work together to build partnerships and drive sustainable solutions.
