The Centre for Opportunities and Rural Development (CORD Ghana) has reaffirmed its commitment to youth-driven climate action urging young people to take advantage of emerging opportunities in the green economy to build a more sustainable future for Ghana.
This call was made at its Ghana’s Youth Summit held in Tamale on the theme: “Enhancing Environmental Sustainability and Green Jobs”.
It brought together young people, students, community leaders, and key stakeholders to explore practical solutions to environmental challenges and climate-related unemployment.
Organised in partnership with Plan International Ghana, Vision World, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), SIGRA, the International Trade Centre (ITC), the National Youth Climate Action (NYCA), Spanish Cooperation, and the Green School Initiative.
The summit sought to bridge the knowledge and participation gap in environmental awareness and green entrepreneurship among the youth in northern Ghana.
Dr Kodimah Siita, the Executive Director of CORD Ghana, speaking during the summit, said it was designed to empower young people to take part in national and international discussions on climate change and sustainable development.
He said: “We have realized that during national and international summits, young people from the northern part of Ghana are often few in contributing to discussions. It’s not that they lack interest but rather the exposure and knowledge to engage meaningfully.”
He said Ghana produced about 200,000 university graduates annually yet only about 22,000 were absorbed into the public sector leaving many young people frustrated or unemployed.
Dr Siita said: “We want to awaken their potential by showing them that there are viable opportunities in green business, climate innovation, and environmental advocacy.”
He said building their capacity in sustainable agriculture, green entrepreneurship, and advocacy could inspire them to become active environmental stewards.
He encouraged participants to see themselves as agents of change and to use their voices and innovations to influence community development and national policies on climate resilience and resource management.
Mr Ángel Lossada, Ambassador of Spain to Ghana and Togo, lauded CORD Ghana and its partners for dedicating the summit to one of the most urgent global challenges with far-reaching consequences.
He said “We must work together as countries, governments, and civil society to advocate and act now. It is not only important but urgent that we address the consequences of climate change at every level, from our communities to the global stage.”
Mr Sulemana Gbana, the Programme Influencing and Impact Area Manager at Plan International Ghana, commended CORD Ghana for spearheading the initiative describing it as an important platform for youth engagement in green entrepreneurship and climate governance.
GNA
