Strengthen Climate Policy Implementation in Upper West – Youth Petition RCC

The She Leads Social Movement in the Upper West Region has called on the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) to strengthen climate policy implementation for a just and sustainable future.

The call was made during a youth-led walk in Wa on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, to mark the 2025 International Youth Day, under the theme, “Climate Justice Now: Voices from the Youth, Actions for All.”

The walk, anchored by CARD Ghana under the She Leads Project in partnership with Activista Ghana, drew members of the movement and various youth groups across the region.

Youth carried placards with messages on environmental protection and climate justice as they marched through the principal streets of Wa, raising public awareness.

Some of the placards read: “Fund Our Future! Protect Our Lives”, “Protect the Earth, Secure the Future”, “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Minimize Waste, the Future is Now”, “Youth Actions Against Climate Change”, “Our Planet, Our Duty”.

At the forecourt of the RCC, the President of the She Leads Social Movement, Ms. Felicia Bagania, read a petition highlighting the climate vulnerabilities facing the Upper West Region, including deforestation, environmental degradation, charcoal production, drought, and erratic rainfall.

The petition demanded stronger policy integration at the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assembly (MMDA) levels, dedicated budget lines for climate action and the inclusion of women, youth and marginalized groups at the center of resilience strategies.

It also called for intensified efforts against illegal mining and environmental destruction, investment in renewable energy and climate-smart agriculture, and a transparent monitoring framework to hold duty-bearers accountable.

“By strengthening policy implementation in the Upper West Region, we can build resilience that protects livelihoods, ensures food security, and promotes sustainable development for all,” the petition stated.

The Upper West Regional Minister, Lawyer Charles Lwanga Puozuing, who, along with the Regional Coordinating Director, received the petition, commended the youth for their initiative.

He assured them that the RCC would review the petition and take necessary steps within its mandate while recommending other demands to central government for policy alignment.

“This tells you that the President and his administration are interested in issues relating to the environment and climate change,” the Minister said, adding that the concerns of the youth would not be taken lightly.

The She Leads Project is being implemented in the Upper West Region by CARD Ghana in partnership with Plan International Ghana.