According to ghana news agency:ccording to Ghana News Agency, the coalition, led by the She Leads Social Movement and Activista Ghana, made this appeal in a petition to the Upper West Regional Coordinating Council. The petition aimed at strengthening climate policy implementation for a just and sustainable future in the Upper West Region. Mrs. Felicia Baganiah, Focal Person of the She Leads Social Movement, Upper West Region, presented the petition to Mr. Charles Lwanga Puozuing, the Upper West Regional Minister.
The Community Aid for Rural Development (CARD-Ghana) facilitated the petition as part of activities to mark the 2025 International Youth Day on the theme: 'Climate Justice Now: Voices from the Youth, Action for All.' The groups expressed concern over the rapid deforestation, environmental degradation, indiscriminate charcoal burning, and illegal mining in the region, which threaten food security and water resources.
They highlighted that despite Ghana's adoption of climate frameworks such as the National Climate Change Policy and the National Climate Change Adaptation Strategy, implementation at the district and regional levels remained slow. The petition warned that without urgent and decentralised action, the region risks losing its ecological balance, economic base, and the future of its young people. It urged the Upper West Regional Coordinating Council to lead a bold agenda for climate justice, resilience, and inclusive development.
The petition also called for strengthening policy implementation to build resilience, protect livelihoods, ensure food security, and promote sustainable development. Other demands included placing women, youth, and marginalised groups at the centre of resilience strategies, combating illegal mining, protecting water bodies, and collaborating with traditional authorities and youth groups in enforcing environmental laws.
In response, Mr. Puozuing stated that they would take necessary steps within the power of the RCC to implement the recommendations, while those beyond the RCC's capacity would be forwarded to the central government for consideration. He noted that the President has established a desk dedicated to climate issues, reflecting the administration's interest in environmental and climate change matters.
The petition presentation was preceded by a float along some principal streets of Wa, emphasizing the need for concerted efforts to strengthen climate policy implementation for a just and sustainable future in the region.
