By Freda Mwin
Wa (UW/R), Aug. 4, GNA – The Children and Youth in Broadcasting (CYIB) Curious Minds Ghana has joined the Upper West Regional Directorate of the National Youth Authority (NYA) in a clean-up exercise in Wa to promote environmental sustainability.
The exercise, organised by the NYA at the weekend, formed part of activities marking this year’s National Youth Month celebration aimed at encouraging patriotism and civic responsibility among young people.
Curious Minds Ghana participated in the exercise as part of its “Clean Green Wa Project”, a youth-led environmental initiative funded by the European Union (EU) in partnership with the Global Youth Mobilisation under the Youth Empowerment Fund.
The project seeks to address plastic waste pollution and poor sanitation practices in Wa through the promotion of responsible plastic waste management.
It also aims to contribute to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 on Good Health and Well-being, SDG 11 on Sustainable Cities and Communities, and SDG 13 on Climate Action.
Speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) after the exercise, Mr Philip Tengzu, Upper West Regional Coordinator of Curious Minds Ghana, said the project was aimed at mobilising young people and communities to adopt responsible plastic waste management practices.
“Our participation in the clean-up exercise is in line with the objectives of the Clean Green Wa Project.
“We believe that promoting environmental sustainability and responsible waste management requires collaboration among all stakeholders,” he said.
Mr Tengzu observed that indiscriminate disposal of plastic waste contributed to environmental degradation, blocked drainage systems, flooding and increased public health risks.
He said the project was therefore focused on promoting a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable Wa through youth-led environmental action, plastic waste reduction and public education.
As part of the initiative, Curious Minds Ghana would organise school and community sensitisation programmes, clean-up campaigns, youth capacity-building activities and establish plastic waste collection points to encourage waste segregation and recycling.
The organisation would also train Youth Environmental Ambassadors to champion environmental sustainability while acquiring practical skills in plastic recycling and green entrepreneurship.
Mr Tengzu said Curious Minds Ghana would continue to collaborate with like-minded organisations and individuals to promote proper sanitation practices, particularly plastic waste management, amid growing concerns about climate change.
Mr Umar Saeed Sidibe, a volunteer with Curious Minds Ghana, described the clean-up exercise as a timely intervention to promote cleaner and healthier communities.
“We joined NYA in this exercise because when an organisation is pursuing the same objective that you believe in, the best thing is to support it so that together you achieve a common goal,” he said.
Mrs Vida Addi, Upper West Regional Director of the NYA, said the clean-up campaign reflected the Authority’s commitment to instilling patriotism and civic responsibility among young people.
She said volunteerism and community service remained practical ways through which young people could demonstrate love for their country while contributing to sustainable development.
Curious Minds Ghana is a 30-year-old youth-led civil society organisation that promotes meaningful youth participation in development through advocacy, civic engagement and youth empowerment initiatives.
Social Improving Sanitation
GNA
Edited By Audrey Dekalu
Reporter: Freda Mwin, GNA