Young people gathered at the University of Ghana on September 26, 2026, to learn, participate and take practical steps towards protecting the environment as Ghana hosted its maiden EARTH Summit.
The Summit was organised by the Planeteer Alliance, the youth arm of the Captain Planet Foundation, and provided participants with an opportunity to deepen their understanding of environmental issues through practical activities and interactive sessions.
Opening the Summit, the host and Planeteer, Nana Akua Dokyiwaa Karikari, welcomed participants and guests and highlighted the importance of protecting the Earth and the active role young people can play in caring for the environment.
The programme subsequently moved from awareness to action, with participants being introduced to the work of the Planeteer Alliance by Toluwalase Abiona, West African Regional Coordinator of the Planeteer Alliance.
She explained how participants could become Planeteers, the work of the Alliance and the opportunities available to young people who join the network.
A key feature of the Summit was a practical session on tree planting led by Mr. Asare Kuffour, Head of Science at Mary Mother of Good Counsel School.
Mr. Kuffour took participants through the importance of trees and practical considerations for growing them, after which participants took part in a tree-planting exercise, putting their knowledge into practice.
The exercise was followed by the distribution of Veitchia palm seedlings to participants to take home and plant, extending the environmental action beyond the Summit venue.
The event also addressed responsible waste management through a hands-on session led by Heneba Kwadwo Safo, leader of the BuzStopBoys.
Participants were introduced to the concept of source separation and learnt how waste can be separated appropriately to support better waste management practices.
The session incorporated games and practical activities, making it easier for participants to understand the concept and appreciate the importance of separating waste at source.
The various sessions were designed to demonstrate that environmental protection goes beyond understanding the challenges confronting the planet. It also requires individuals to take practical steps towards addressing those challenges and contributing to positive change.
The maiden Ghana EARTH Summit therefore provided a platform for young people to deepen their understanding of environmental issues while equipping them with practical knowledge and experiences that they can apply in their homes, schools and communities.
