DRN Ghana, GES celebrate student champions in 2024 Climate Change Debate

By Emelia B. Addae

Koforidua, June 19, GNA – The Disaster Resilient Network Ghana (DRN) and the Eastern Regional of the Ghana Education Service (GES) have held an award ceremony for four outstanding Senior High Schools (SHSs) in the 2024 Climate Change Debate.

The competition which was held last year had St. Peter’s Senior High School, which emerged as the overall winner; Oyoko Methodist SHS, which placed second; Aburi Presbyterian Senior High Technical School, in third position; and Saviour Senior High School, which took the fourth spot.

The schools received certificates of participation alongside cash prizes of 8,000 Ghana cedis, 6,000 Ghana cedis, 4,000 Ghana cedis, and 2,000 Ghana cedis, respectively.

Speaking at the ceremony in Koforidua, Dr. Mrs. Ivy Asantewa Owusu, Eastern Regional Director of GES, emphasized the importance of recognizing outstanding students’ efforts.

She stated, “The purpose of this ceremony is to celebrate these schools for their outstanding performance in promoting climate education and student-led environmental initiatives. We want to encourage them to continue their efforts in building a sustainable future.

Dr. Owusu further urged the students to utilize part of their prizes to embark on climate action projects, stating; “I entreat these young leaders to use their awards as a foundation to develop practical interventions that translate ideas into tangible, community-based climate solutions.”

She also highlighted the importance of fostering climate leadership and practical engagement among the youth.

Lady Victoria Tsotsoo Tetteh, a representative from DRN Ghana, explained that the Climate Change Debate Competition was part of the broader Climate Action Initiative.

“This platform is designed for capacity building, mentorship, project funding, and community engagement. It enables students not only to learn about climate issues but also to take the lead in addressing them,” she said.

Ms. Tetteh reiterated the urgency of climate action, emphasizing, “We recognize the critical role of the younger generation in shaping a resilient and sustainable future, especially given the increasing severity of the climate crisis.”

DRN Ghana, she explained, is committed to research and development aimed at creating innovative solutions for disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation, with the goal of building disaster-resilient societies across Ghana.

Master Samuel Nhyiraba, a form two student at St. Peter’s Senior High School, expressed his gratitude. “This debate has enlightened my mind on global climate issues. It has motivated me to be more involved in environmental advocacy.”

The event underscored the growing emphasis on empowering Ghana’s youth to lead climate action efforts, aligning with national and global initiatives to combat climate change.

GNA

Edited by D.I. Laary/Kenneth Odeng Adade