Youth turn environmental lessons into action at EARTH Summit

Ghana hosted its maiden EARTH Summit on Saturday, September 26, 2026, with young people taking part in practical activities focused on environmental protection.

The event, held at Mensah Sarbah Hall of the University of Ghana, was organised by the Planeteer Alliance, the youth arm of the Captain Planet Foundation.

The Summit featured sessions on environmental awareness, tree growing and waste management, with participants given the opportunity to apply what they learnt through practical activities.

Nana Akua Dokyiwaa Karikari, host of the Summit and a member of the Planeteer Alliance, welcomed participants and highlighted the role young people can play in protecting the environment.

Toluwalase Abiona, West African Regional Coordinator of the Planeteer Alliance, introduced participants to the organisation and explained how they could become Planeteers.

She also outlined the work of the Alliance and opportunities available to young people who join the network.

A tree-growing session was led by Asare Kuffour, Head of Science at Mary Mother of Good Counsel School.

He took participants through the importance of trees and some practical considerations for growing them before they took part in a tree-planting exercise.

Participants were also given Veitchia palm seedlings to take home and plant.

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

Participants learnt about source separation and how different types of waste can be separated to support proper waste management.

Games and other practical activities were used during the session to help participants understand the concept of separating waste at source.

The organisers said the Summit was intended to give young people practical knowledge and encourage them to apply environmental practices in their homes, schools and communities.