By Yussif Ibrahim, GNA
Kumasi, July 01, GNA – The Ashanti Regional Directorate of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has intensified public education on environmental protection by engaging pupils of the Ever Learning Development Centre as part of activities marking World Environment Month.
The civic education programme formed part of a month-long regional campaign to promote environmental responsibility and active citizenship under the global theme: “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future.”
The initiative seeks to encourage citizens, particularly the younger generation, to adopt environmentally sustainable practices and support national efforts to tackle climate change and environmental degradation.
Madam Akua Zakaria, Deputy Ashanti Regional Director of the NCCE, urged the pupils to recognise that, protecting the environment was a shared civic responsibility and not the sole preserve of government institutions.
She encouraged them to cultivate environmentally friendly habits, including proper waste disposal, tree planting, water conservation, and keeping their surroundings clean, while discouraging activities that harm the environment.
Mr. Evans Nunoo, Deputy Director of the Commission, explained the significance of the 2026 World Environment Day theme, noting that nature offered practical solutions to address climate change.
He said protecting forests, water bodies and biodiversity was critical to securing a sustainable future and encouraged the pupils to serve as environmental ambassadors by promoting positive environmental practices within their homes and communities.
The Commission also reminded participants that Article 41(k) of the 1992 Constitution places a duty on every citizen to protect and safeguard the environment, making environmental stewardship both a constitutional obligation and a civic responsibility.
The pupils were encouraged to support efforts to combat indiscriminate waste disposal, pollution of water bodies, deforestation, and other environmentally harmful practices that undermine sustainable national development.
The engagement further highlighted the relationship between environmental conservation and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal Three on Good Health and Well-being, Goal Six on Clean Water and Sanitation, Goal Eleven on Sustainable Cities and Communities, Goal Twelve on Responsible Consumption and Production, Goal Thirteen on Climate Action, and Goal Fifteen on Life on Land.
The pupils were encouraged to appreciate that protecting the environment contributes to healthier communities, sustainable livelihoods, and a better future for generations to come.
The programme forms part of a series of civic education activities being undertaken by NCCE district offices across the Ashanti Region throughout June to commemorate World Environment Month and deepen public understanding of environmental protection as an essential component of responsible citizenship.
GNA
Edited by Kwabia Owusu-Mensah/Kenneth Odeng Adade
Reporter: Yussif Ibrahim