Nana Akua rallies young people to protect the environment at EARTH Summit

Young people have been encouraged to take an active role in protecting the environment at Ghana’s maiden EARTH Summit held in Accra.

The event, organised by the Planeteer Alliance, the youth arm of the Captain Planet Foundation, in partnership with YFM Ghana, took place on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at Mensah Sarbah Hall, University of Ghana.

Nana Akua Dokyiwaa Karikari, a member of the Planeteer Alliance and host of the Summit, urged participants to recognise that environmental protection can begin with simple actions in their daily lives.

The Summit brought together young people and community members for sessions on environmental education, tree growing and waste management.

Toluwalase Abiona, West African Regional Coordinator of the Planeteer Alliance, introduced participants to the Alliance and explained how young people could join the network.

She also spoke about the activities of the Alliance and opportunities available to members.

Participants later took part in a tree-growing session led by Asare Kuffour, Head of Science at Mary Mother of Good Counsel School.

The session was followed by a practical tree-planting exercise, with each participant receiving a Veitchia palm seedling to take home and plant.

The programme also featured a session on waste management led by Heneba Kwadwo Safo, leader of the BuzStopBoys.

The session focused on source separation, with participants learning how to separate different types of waste. Games and other practical activities were also used to help participants understand the process.

Nana Akua’s involvement in environmental advocacy activities also includes hosting Ghana’s maiden Wind Summit in 2025, where young participants were introduced to plastic waste management, source separation, recycling, upcycling and environmental leadership.

This year’s EARTH Summit expanded the focus to include tree growing, waste management and opportunities for young people to participate in environmental initiatives.

The organisers said the activities were aimed at equipping participants with practical knowledge and encouraging them to take part in efforts to protect the environment.