The Volta Region, located along the coast, has suffered from several effects of climate change over the years, including the current tidal waves that are sweeping and washing away communities in the southern part of the region, namely Agavedzi, Salakope, and surrounding communities.
These waves are causing many to lose their livelihoods and rendering many homeless, displaced, hungry, and stranded.
The region has also, in recent times, experienced flooding, dry spells, and other climate change-related situations. Though there have been some interventions by the government, the role of the youths and citizens in addressing the situation cannot be overemphasized.
Joshua Ayayi, Executive Director of Youth Alliance for Sustainability has therefore advised youths in the Volta Region to take advantage of opportunities in Climate Adaptation. He made the call during the Youth Leadership Adaptation Training organized by SYND a youth-oriented NGO that promotes youth inclusion in the governance of the Natural Resources and Environmental (NRE) Sector in partnership with the Environmental Protection Agency and the Youth Alliance for Sustainability to train young 30 leaders on climate adaptation in the Ho Municipality of the Volta Region.
Joshua Ayayi explained that the training is to mainly harness Ghana’s young population’s energy to ensure sustainable development because after much research it has been discovered that “young people need their capacities strengthened in the area of climate adaptation especially so that the innovations, the businesses and the solutions that they churn out will help solve part of the complex climate challenge that the world has to face and also in a bid to provide resilience for young people and also make sure that communities build that resilience through the innovative solutions that young people have.”
He, therefore, called on young people within the Volta region to take advantage of the opportunities in Climate Adaptation to bring out their innovations. According to him “If you are doing it in your corner, nobody will know, but being part of programs like the SYND, people get to see their innovations and get them connected with other programs that will link them to funding opportunities for their projects and innovations. “Take advantage of the opportunities. Be part of the programs and let’s make sure we’re building a better Ghana and a better world for everyone.” Said Mr. Ayayi.
According to the Strategic Youth Network for Development (SYND), Climate change is increasingly causing irreversible impacts on the world and rendering the Global South more vulnerable to climate shocks and risks – and even more devastating for the younger generation. Studies suggest that global temperature is increasing and the planet is warming up at the danger of a 2-degree Celsius threshold.
The Sixth Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Working Group II, for example, has issued warning signals about the pending threat of climate change’s impact on the world and its future.
Sarfoh Danquah, Project Assistant SYND, added his voice to the call, advising young people of the Volta Region to take an active role in addressing environmental challenges rather than resigning in despair. He encouraged them to analyze problems critically and seek solutions through research and understanding. Citing the example of tidal waves affecting Keta, he suggested that restoring mangroves could be a natural way to mitigate coastal erosion. He emphasized that rather than waiting for government interventions like the sea defense project, youths can contribute to long-term sustainable solutions through ecological restoration and innovative thinking.
Sarfoh Danquah added that emerging career opportunities in climate resilience are limitless with vast opportunities beyond conventional fields like medicine, law, and policing. He mentioned climate science and marine biology, data analysis, and drone technology for environmental monitoring, among others. Mr. Danquah, therefore, encouraged youths to explore innovative farming techniques, climate engineering, and the integration of the Internet of Things (IoT) in agriculture to develop sustainable solutions.
He reiterated that Africa, being particularly vulnerable to climate change, must prioritize adaptation to safeguard communities from environmental threats. He emphasized that knowledge is the foundation for these solutions and urged young people to actively seek information, research, and develop the expertise needed to drive change.
In the words of Sarfoh Danquah “Climate change is not just a problem for environmentalists; it affects every aspect of life. By embracing knowledge and innovation, young people can shape a more resilient and sustainable future for their communities.”
Mr. Charles Kwesi Gomenu, Ho Municipal Director of the National Youth Agency, who was also present at the event, noted that youth participation in climate change adaptation is a golden opportunity. He explained that while climate change is a global challenge, individuals must take responsibility to reduce its impact.
According to him, though international organizations provide platforms for knowledge-sharing, such opportunities are rare in Africa, particularly Ghana. The initiative, therefore, serves as a crucial avenue for empowering young people with the necessary skills and knowledge to address environmental issues.
He acknowledged the challenges in securing funding for youth empowerment programs within the public sector but expressed hope that participants would make the best of the opportunities presented by the event.
Mr. Gomenu also urged them to become ambassadors of environmental sustainability, spreading the knowledge gained to their communities. By doing so, they could inspire a change in mindset regarding how people interact with the ecosystem leading to greater environmental consciousness across the municipality and the region.
Desmond Tinana
