Students across Ghana are being called upon to take meaningful steps in the fight against climate change by embracing education, building collaborations, and engaging in hands-on environmental efforts.

This message was delivered during the unveiling of the Ghana Green Scholars Programme in Accra, an initiative focused on equipping young people with the tools and knowledge needed to support climate action and promote sustainability.

The programme, led by the Pan African Centre for Climate Policy (PACCP) in partnership with Drasi Africa, brought together students from St. Thomas Aquinas Senior High School and Presbyterian Senior High School–La, along with various stakeholders, to exchange ideas and identify practical solutions to environmental problems.

Speaking at the event, Manager of Drasi, Deborah Nissi Diafo, said the initiative aims to nurture a network of young individuals passionate about protecting the environment. She pointed out that climate change remains a critical global challenge, with its impacts being felt most strongly by vulnerable populations, including young people.

Addressing participants, Dr. Patrick Essien, Deputy Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), underscored the importance of equipping young people with the right knowledge and skills to address environmental challenges. He noted that achieving sustainable development requires active youth participation, as young people will play a key role in shaping the future.

Also addressing the gathering, the Country Director of the Pan African Centre for Climate Policy, Rev. Dr. Kwame Frempong, emphasised the critical role of partnerships in addressing climate change. He noted that collaboration between institutions in Ghana and countries such as Canada would strengthen resilience efforts and encourage meaningful policy discussions.

Rev. Dr. Frimpong further stated that the initiative aims to raise awareness while offering students a platform to unite and take collective action.

He stressed the need to actively involve young people in environmental education and conversations on climate issues, noting that such platforms motivate students to seize opportunities to make meaningful contributions toward protecting the environment.

The programme will feature a series of discussions in the months ahead, centred on climate change and biodiversity regulations. Participants were urged to collaborate, strengthen partnerships, and work collectively toward sustainable solutions.

Students who took part in the programme expressed appreciation for the opportunity, noting that it helped them understand how their everyday actions impact the environment. They also pledged to adopt more responsible habits and contribute to efforts aimed at reducing climate change.