Stepping Up to the Frontline: My Commitment to Climate Action in Ghana

Starting my internship with Frontline for Climate Action (FCA) feels like the beginning of something truly meaningful. As a young Ghanaian passionate about environmental issues, I’ve always wanted to be part of a movement that drives real change and gets young people involved in shaping a better future.

My expectations for this journey are high, and they are rooted in the knowledge that FCA’s leadership, understands a powerful truth: The stability of our climate is the foundation for all societal prosperity and enjoyment.

This understanding prompts a critical question that frames my work: How do we truly get to enjoy the benefits of our national passions, whether it's the simple joy of community, the vitality of public health, or the thrill of sports, if we do not take decisive action on climate change? When extreme heat threatens the health of athletes, and unpredictable floods shut down community infrastructure, the quality of life for everyone is diminished.

This is where my role and activities come in, guided by FCA’s core values of Action, Service, and Partnership. My internship agreement focuses on three strategic pillars of climate advocacy:

1. Raising Awareness: My task is to translate complex climate policy into accessible and relatable communication, ensuring every Ghanaian understands the stakes and the opportunities for action.

2. Building Public Support: I will work to mobilize diverse groups—communities, businesses, and even the sports sector—to champion climate-friendly behaviors and advocate for systemic change.

3. Holding Decision-Makers Accountable: I aim to support the analysis and monitoring of policy implementation, ensuring our national commitments lead to tangible results on the ground.

   
   

The Win-Win of Climate Action for Sports

While the focus of my work is broad national policy, the link to sectors like sports is profound and highlights the positive feedback loop of climate action. When we invest in climate resilience, we are, in fact, investing in the longevity and quality of our sports culture:

●      Protecting Athletes and Fans: A stable climate reduces the frequency of extreme heat events and poor air quality, creating safer and healthier environments for training, competition, and spectating across all sports.

●      Securing Infrastructure: Building climate-resilient infrastructure—like flood-proof pitches and solar-powered facilities—ensures that sporting events are not cancelled due to weather, securing revenue and community morale.

●      Enabling Enjoyment: By ensuring predictable seasons and stable weather, climate action guarantees that the simple, pure benefit of sport—the joy of play—can be consistently enjoyed by everyone, from school leagues to professional federations.

My expectation is to leave this internship having contributed meaningfully to policies that secure not just our environment, but also these critical aspects of our national life. I am excited to apply my skills, learn from the Frontline team, and dedicate myself to a successful and impactful journey with Frontline for Climate Action.

By George Ahafia Kwaku – Climate Advocacy and Policy Work Intern