Okyeame Kwame Leads 500 Students in Climate March: Urging Action for Climate Justice

Approximately 500 students were led by musician Okyeame Kwame on a march from the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) to Parliament.

The purpose of the march was to call on the climate caucus to take more decisive action on climate justice.

During the walk, the student protesters passionately advocated for climate justice, a greener Ghana, reforestation, and the declaration of a climate emergency. The event took place on July 21.

Upon reaching Parliament, Okyeame Kwame, the climate ambassador, and the student group were welcomed by Dr. Emmanuel Marfo, Charles Abani, the UN resident coordinator, Elizabeth Sackey, the mayor of Accra, and some members of the parliamentary Climate Caucus.

All the hosts emphasized the importance of climate action for the world, particularly for Africans and indigenous people who contribute less than 4% of carbon emissions but disproportionately bear the consequences of adverse climatic conditions. They stressed the need for compensation for climate injustice to these vulnerable groups.

Dr. Emmanuel Marfo commended Okyeame Kwame and the climate clock team for addressing this significant issue and considering the welfare of future generations.

The awareness-raising climate walk occurred on July 22, which is designated as Climate Emergency Day.

During Okyeame Kwame’s visit to Parliament, the UN resident coordinator also praised his activism but encouraged him to expand his efforts beyond the regional level.

Following the climate walk, Okyeame Kwame and his family, along with a group of media representatives, met Amer Al Alalawi, the head of the United Arab Emirates’ diplomatic mission, in Accra. The discussion centered on young representation at COP28, an upcoming climate conference in Dubai in November, with Nakeeyat Dramani Sam, a youth climate champion, Portia Adu Mensah, and a lead advocate for climate clock Ghana also taking part.

Amer Al Alalawi appreciated Okyeame’s efforts and expressed the UAE’s eagerness to involve young people in climate discussions and decision-making.

Before the walk, the climate clock team delivered presentations to over 1500 students at Kwabenya Senior High School, St. John’s Grammar High School, the Kaneshie Cluster of Schools, and St. Martin De Porres between July 14 and July 20. The presentations highlighted the urgency of the climate crisis and the need for immediate action.

The walk was organized by the Okyeame Kwame Foundation with support from Ekumfi Juice, in collaboration with Climate Clock and the Accra Metropolitan Assembly.