Action Youth for Development-Ghana marked the occasion of International Youth Day with a remarkable event held at the Kintampo Vocational Training School, nestled within the Kintampo Municipal region. The significance of the event was underscored by Mr. Nanga Joseph Nyindam, the esteemed Executive Director of the organization. He articulated how the school’s participation in commemorating International Youth Day seamlessly aligned with the organization’s overarching mission of raising awareness about climate change within educational environments. This shared objective was encapsulated in the theme chosen for the event: “The role of the youth in climate change.” In his opening address, Mr. Nyindam expressed gratitude to the School Authority for warmly hosting the organization and extended an encouraging welcome to all participants. He emphasized the importance of active engagement with the experts present, as this interaction would enable a comprehensive understanding of the discourse surrounding climate change and its far-reaching impact on human existence.
The first keynote speaker of the event, Mr. Gilbert Lartey Ampofo, the astute Manager of the Kintampo Municipal Forestry Commission, took the stage. With an air of authority, he delved into the intricate relationship between plants, animals, and the environment. With captivating clarity, he elucidated the symbiotic exchange between animals and plants – animals inhaling oxygen and exhaling carbon dioxide, while plants absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing life-sustaining oxygen. He vividly illustrated how the delicate balance of this relationship is imperiled by human activities such as farming, mining, lumbering, construction, and the devastating scourge of bush fires. These actions have precipitated alarming changes in temperature and rainfall patterns. Mr. Ampofo aptly exemplified the situation with the plight of the Doomsor regime, where insufficient water supply for power generation resulted in erratic electrical supply. He further underscored the dire repercussions of human activities on the environment, including the emission of harmful gases like carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitric oxide, ethane, and others. With a poignant question, he challenged the audience: “Where are the trees to absorb the emissions of gases released into the atmosphere?” He cast a sobering light on Ghana’s reality, revealing that the nation had lost a staggering 700,000 hectares of trees due to rampant farming, mining, and lumbering. He decried the rampant bush fires in the Bono East region as a significant contributor to climate change. The solution, he passionately asserted, lies in a concerted effort to plant more trees to counteract the surging carbon levels in the atmosphere. He issued a fervent plea to safeguard our future by preserving the trees and protecting the forests.
Next, the platform was graced by Mr. Abdullah Yakubu, the Director of the National Commission for Civic Education for Kintampo North. In a thought-provoking presentation, he expounded upon the diverse definitions of “youth” across various contexts. Drawing from the United Nations classification, he defined youth as individuals aged between 15 and 24 years. However, he highlighted Africa’s distinct interpretation, wherein youth is classified within the range of 18 to 35 years. With enthusiasm, Mr. Yakubu enumerated the inherent qualities of youth: boundless energy, passion, insatiable curiosity, unwavering diligence, and perpetual engagement.
He seamlessly linked these traits to the realm of climate change, emphasizing that the very youth who possess these qualities are inadvertently contributing to environmental degradation. He outlined how human-induced activities can lead to catastrophic flooding, resulting in the spread of diseases and violations of fundamental human rights. The essence of his message resided in a poignant query posed to the attendees: “Are youth the victims or beneficiaries of climate change?” This question resonated as a call to action for the young minds present, encouraging them to recognize their immense potential in shaping the future trajectory of the planet.
In the culminating moments of the event, Mr. Nanga Joseph Nyindam took the podium once more to express his heartfelt gratitude. He extended his appreciation to the esteemed resource persons, the School Authority, and the students whose active participation made the celebration an undeniable success. With a fervent appeal for continued support, he envisioned a future where the enlightening education on climate change could be replicated across all educational institutions, fostering a generation equipped with the knowledge and determination to safeguard the environment for generations to come.
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