Tamale: 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 Ghana's Youth Summit held in Tamale on the theme: 'Enhancing Environmental Sustainability and Green Jobs'.
According to Ghana News Agency, the summit brought together young people, students, community leaders, and key stakeholders to explore practical solutions to environmental challenges and climate-related unemployment. It was organized 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 event aimed 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, highlighted that the summit was designed to empower young people to engage in national and international discussions on climate change and sustainable development. He emphasized the need for exposure and knowledge for young people from the northern part of Ghana to contribute meaningfully to these discussions. Dr. Siita pointed out that although Ghana produces about 200,000 university graduates annually, only about 22,000 are absorbed into the public sector, leaving many young people frustrated or unemployed.
He stressed the importance of awakening their potential by showcasing viable opportunities in green business, climate innovation, and environmental advocacy. Building capacity in sustainable agriculture, green entrepreneurship, and advocacy could inspire them to become active environmental stewards. Participants were encouraged 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. ngel Lossada, Ambassador of Spain to Ghana and Togo, praised CORD Ghana and its partners for dedicating the summit to addressing urgent global challenges like climate change, emphasizing the need for collaborative action at every level. 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.
