By: Akua Oteng Amponsah
The Acting Director of the Climate Change Department at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Dr. Emmanuel Takyi Obeng, has lauded the Ghana Education Service (GES) for integrating climate change studies into the current curriculum of junior high schools.
According to Dr. Takyi, this move will make the next generation of youths more eco-conscious.
Dr. Takyi explained that the EPA, in collaboration with the GES, has successfully embedded climate change studies into the curriculum of basic schools. For primary schools, the incorparion was done in 2019, while for junior high schools, it was done in 2021.
Speaking during this year’s Green Tales competition, organized by The Climate Sociologist at Achimota Senior High School on the theme “Sankofa: Learning from the Past, Acting for the Future,” Dr. Takyi emphasized that the EPA is working to integrate climate change studies into the syllabus of senior high schools as well.
Dr. Takyi further noted that teaching and learning materials have been developed, and teachers have been trained on climate change studies.
“Since 2019, EPA, working with GES, has integrated climate change studies into primary schools’ curriculum and then into junior high schools in 2021. Currently, we’re working to have it integrated into the curriculum of senior high schools,” Dr. Takyi stated.
He advised that climate change has a greater impact than we think, affecting the food chain and individual livelihoods, and called on all citizens to join the effort on climate change education and be the change they yearn to see.
Meanwhile, the Project Coordinator of the Climate Sociologist Group, Alvin Wenia, described the Green Tales competition as a vibrant celebration of Ghana’s rich cultural heritage and artistic talent, aimed at raising awareness about climate change.
Looking ahead, Alvin expressed the group’s ambition to expand the Green Tales initiative to other regions, including Ashanti and Central, in the coming year.
He added, “We’re thrilled with the students’ performances this year. Last year’s inaugural event, which drew over 2,000 students, was truly epic and we’re open to collaborators and sponsors to make an even greater impact in 2026.”
Speaking on behalf of Chief Director of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts, Leonard Nketia Obrempong appreciated the initiative, stating that it has the potential to boost tourism.
However, he noted that climate change has had a toll on the creative arts sector, citing Sarkodie’s recent concert in Kumasi, which was disrupted by rain due to changing weather patterns.
Mr. Obrempong cautioned that if care is not taken, climate change could have dire consequences on the sector and undermine its gains.
“If we don’t desist from activities such as deforestation and improper waste management, it will significantly affect tourism, and we won’t be able to reap our returns,” Obrempong advised.
Meanwhile, media personality Mama Zimbi, who served as a judge for the 2025 Green Tales competition, advised Ghanaians to adopt some healthy practices of their forebears, such as having backyard gardens, eating directly from the farm, and avoiding deforestation all towards climate change fight.
“The theme for this year’s competition is reasonable, and it’s good we go back to our roots to pick up some healthy traits our forefathers left,” Mama Zimbi added.
She further urged the media to continue creating awareness about climate change.
In the Green Tales Competition, Achimota Senior High School won both the Best Poet Award and Visual Artist but lost the overall trophy to Labone Senior High School, which walked away with several prizes, including a cash prize of 2,000 cedis.
Achimota Senior High School came in as the second place, winning a cash prize of 1,000 cedis, and Accra girls came in 3rd.
