Drumming, marching and patriotic speeches usually define Ghana’s March 6 Independence Day celebrations.

Sixty–nine years after independence, the country has made significant progress. But development has also come with a cost, pollution.

From industrial emissions to vehicle exhaust, open burning and poorly managed dumping sites, air quality continues to deteriorate in many communities.

To mark this year’s Independence Day, the Green Africa Youth Organisation (GAYO) launched a campaign promoting Clean Air and a Just Transition.

Members marched through the principal streets of La Dadekotopon Municipality, as well as in Kumasi and Takoradi, holding placards and chanting for cleaner air.

The group is demanding urgent action to tackle air pollution. Operations and Programs Director for GAYO, Betty Adjei, says the government must act now to safeguard the future.

“And we want the government to promote clean air and prosperity within our communities. It's not enough to celebrate independence when our air is polluted. We want the government to continue not only to write down the policies, but implement the policies and ensure that the people frontlining those policies are very well taken care of.” – Betty Adjei, Operations and Programs Director for GAYO

Young volunteers in Accra, working as citizen scientists and clean air advocates under UrbanBetter Accra Cityzens, also joined the campaign. Country Coordinator Lord Offei-Darko says young people are stepping forward to protect their environment.

“We want clean air now. Of course, I would commend our leaders, the CSOs, and the government organisations for their efforts to make this possible. But we want the process to be sped up. We want faster results.” – Lord Offei-Darko, Coordinator, UrbanBetter Accra Cityzens

Waste pickers in the municipality also joined the march. Bernice Asamoah has been sorting plastic waste in La for several years.

“Don’t burn or throw the waste from your homes away. You can sell it and use the money for something else.” – Bernice Asamoah

For GAYO and its partners, Ghana’s future depends on cleaner air and responsible waste management, a reminder that true independence must also mean a healthier environment.

This story was a collaboration with New Narratives. Funding was provided by the Clean Air Fund, which had no say in the story’s content.

For JoyNews, Michael Asharley.