Ghana’s efforts towards sustainable development and climate resilience heavily depend on empowering youth leadership in the water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) sector, which aligns with nationally determined contributions (NDCs) and global development goals.
Ghana’s international policy ambitions must be effective if they are to be based on inclusive and participatory processes involving diverse stakeholders and focusing on the crucial role of young people.
Despite their demonstrated leadership in climate advocacy, youth engagement in WASH activities still needs to be developed, creating a critical gap in achieving sustainable development goals and addressing climate impacts.
Dr. Bob Manteaw, Senior Research Fellow at the Center for Climate Change and Sustainability Studies at the University of Ghana, emphasizes the urgency of integrating youth voices into WASH decision-making.
He highlights that youth inclusion is crucial for policy effectiveness and for nurturing leadership skills essential for future sustainable development.
Organizations such as WaterAid Ghana and UNICEF have championed the promotion of a climate-resilient WASH sector, advocating for robust youth participation to drive innovation and sustainability in Ghana’s water management.
Despite progress, broader governmental support is essential to scale up these initiatives and ensure their long-term impact.
As Ghana faces the challenges posed by climate change on its WASH infrastructure, Dr. Manteaw urges policymakers to prioritize empowering young leaders.
He concludes that enabling youth with the knowledge and resources to engage in WASH decision-making effectively is crucial for building resilience and ensuring equitable access to clean water and sanitation.
