CSOs urge inclusion of vulnerable population in green economy transition

Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have called on the nation to ensure that its vulnerable population is not left behind in the transition to a green economy.

According to the CSOs an inclusive policy that amplified the voices of the marginalized communities and groups, including the youthful population was required to advance climate justice in the country.

The CSOs, ActionAid Ghana, Global Media Foundation (GloMeF), Citizens Watch Ghana, and the Young Urban Women made the call at a youth forum to mark the 2025 International Youth Day (IYD) in Sunyani.

With support from the National Youth Authority, the CSOs organized the forum on the theme “Igniting youth leadership potential through multilateral cooperation for social accountability”.

The IYD which falls on August 12, was instituted by the United Nations and celebrated annually to bring youth issues to the attention of governments, with this year’s celebration focusing on empowering the youth to help build a better planet for all.

Mr Kwame Afram Denkyira, the Bono, Bono East and Ahafo Regional Manager Programme Manager of the AAG indicated that a decentralized climate adaptation effort was needed to allow vulnerable communities to design solutions based on their local realities.

He said: “Climate justice in Ghana is therefore about more than survival; it’s about dignity, equity and the right to a sustainable future”, saying “as the country strides towards development, integrating justice into climate action isn’t just a moral obligation but a practical necessity”.

Mr Denkyira noted that challenges facing young people in securing decent jobs increased their vulnerability in society and thereby making them vulnerable to social vices and source of conflict and civil disorders as well as violence extremism.

He added that “They are more likely to accept recruitment into fighting forces when they face high incidence of joblessness”, and called on the government to do more and create job opportunities for the youthful population.

In a speech read on his behalf, Mr Joseph Addae Akwaboa, the Bono Regional Minister said the government remained committed to creating an enabling environment for young people to thrive.

He indicated that the government fostering global cooperation and collaboration in all sectors was an indication that President John Dramani Mahama remained committed to creating jobs for the teeming youth to exploit their potentials.

He said: “As we speak now the government will soon roll out Cultural Villages and Creative Arts Fund to provide financial support to the youth to establish creative enterprises, fostering growth and sustainability of our creative sector”.

Mr Akwaboa lauded the growing number of youth climate activists, innovators in renewable energy and student-led environment movements across Ghana and Africa, stressing the government commitment to strengthen climate change education, invest in green jobs, and incorporate youth voices in national climate change strategies.

Mr Raphael Godlove Ahenu, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the GloMeF, a human rights and anti-corruption media advocacy organization stressed the need to explore the possibilities of uniting the voices of young people from the Global South and Global North for action.

“This is not only to address shared global challenges, but also to strengthen solidarity, equity, and innovation in tackling issues such as climate change, social injustice, digital exclusion, and democratic deficits”, he stated.

Mr Ahenu stated that the climate crisis knew no borders, however solutions often reflected the Northern narratives and stressed the need to co-create inclusive climate actions, and champion equitable access to digital infrastructure.

Source: GNA

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