The Centre for Opportunities and Rural Development (CORD Ghana) has reiterated its dedication to promoting youth-led climate action, encouraging young people to take advantage of emerging green economy opportunities to build a more sustainable future for Ghana.
The call was made during Ghana’s Youth Summit held in Tamale under the theme “Enhancing Environmental Sustainability and Green Jobs.” The event brought together students, youth groups, community leaders, and key stakeholders to discuss practical ways to tackle environmental challenges and unemployment linked to climate change.
The summit was organised in collaboration 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. It aimed to close the gap in environmental awareness and green entrepreneurship among young people in northern Ghana.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Kodimah Siita, Executive Director of CORD Ghana, said the summit was designed to empower youth to take part in national and global discussions on climate change and sustainable development. He noted that young people from northern Ghana are often underrepresented at such high-level forums, not due to a lack of interest, but because they have limited exposure and knowledge to engage effectively.
Dr. Siita highlighted that Ghana produces around 200,000 university graduates each year, yet only about 22,000 secure jobs in the public sector, leaving many unemployed or underemployed. He stressed that the green economy offers viable alternatives through opportunities in sustainable agriculture, green business ventures, and environmental advocacy.
He urged the youth to see themselves as agents of change, using their ideas and innovations to influence community development and national climate policies that promote resilience and resource sustainability.
The Spanish Ambassador to Ghana and Togo, Mr. Ángel Lossada, commended CORD Ghana and its partners for dedicating the summit to addressing one of the most pressing global challenges — climate change. He called for stronger collaboration among countries, governments, and civil society to take urgent and collective action.
Similarly, Mr. Sulemana Gbana, Programme Influencing and Impact Area Manager at Plan International Ghana, praised CORD Ghana for leading such a timely initiative, describing the summit as a vital platform for youth engagement in green entrepreneurship and climate governance.
Source: myghanadaily
