Ghana Youth Video Programme Highlights Climate Change Film Screening 

By Raymond Rex Awiagah

Accra, Ghana – The Ghana Youth Video Programme (GYVP) recently organized a thought-provoking event showcasing the screening of a documentary film focused on the pressing issue of climate change. The event, held at the Executive  Conference Centre-Main Hall of the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) attracted an array of passionate environmental advocates, youth activists, educators and the media.

The film documentary delves into the challenges faced by Ghana in the wake of a changing climate, highlighting the severe implications on ecosystems, agriculture, and livelihoods. Produced by a team of talented young filmmakers from the Ghana Youth Video Programme, the film aims to raise awareness and mobilize action to combat climate change in the country.

Dr. Mark Terry from the Wilfrid Laurier University in Canada said “ what we want to do is amplify those voices and find out how climate change is impacting the people. And one of the best ways to do it is through film. Because with film, you have visible evidence of what’s taking place here. And that’s a lot more compelling than a scientific paper sometimes to the policymakers”. 

Speaking on the goal of the Ghana Youth Video Programme, Dr. Mark Terry said “so what we’re hoping to do is get all the young people, as many as we can here. What we have done it to tell the stories on video, and then we put them together and present them at the UN Climate Summit. Cop 28, which takes place in Dubai this year. So we’re going to make presentations of the films that are made here so that the policymakers can find out what’s happening in Africa in general, in Ghana, specifically, in terms of climate change, as told by the young people”. 

For his part, Dr. Magnus Mfoafo-M’Carthy also from the Wilfrid Laurier University emphasized the urgency of addressing climate change and expressed his gratitude to all those involved in bringing the documentary to life. He stressed the importance of empowering youth to play an active role in finding sustainable solutions.

In an interview with Raymond News, a lead instructor of the Ghana Youth Video Programme and also from the Wilfrid Laurier University, Dr. Jeff Grischow, adovacated for stronger connections to help create more awareness on climate change.

“For me, there are a number of goals that we had with this project which was important to me. Personally, I think it’s connections and community, making connections between the filmmakers themselves, the youth, making connections between the youth and elders and experts on climate change, making connections between all of the participants in the project and the larger Ghanaian public policymakers and stakeholders. So that’s one goal for me in terms of building those strong connections and awareness of climate change” – said Dr. Jeff Grischow.

Additionally, Dr. Jeff Grischow disclosed that they are seeking to provide stories and resources.” So we’re building resource base, a database of visuals, sorts of almost artifacts of climate change, that can be used by the larger Ghanaian public, by policymakers, by stakeholders to come together. And then to have that as a resource to inform policy and inform practice. So those are the main goals for me”. He added.

Speaking on the recruitment process, Dr. Jeff Grischow “I have to say that in terms of the youth that we have recruited, we’ve done this project for two years, and we’ve had very good recruitment both years and very, very enthusiastic young filmmakers. And we have had no problems recruiting. In fact, we’re planning, hopefully planning a third year, and then maybe we can keep it going on an annual basis. So the young people in Ghana have been very responsive. And we have had no problems recruiting to to the project at all”.

Following the film’s screening, a panel discussion was held, featuring renowned environmentalists, local experts, and representatives from academia. The dynamic exchange explored the film’s key messages, the impact of climate change on Ghana’s communities, and potential strategies to combat its effects. Attendees were provided with an opportunity to pose questions and share their own ideas, fostering a sense of collaboration and collective responsibility.

Among the panelists, Mashall Adams, Shaibu Fuseini  from AgricConnect, Wisdom Mprah from Centre for Disability and Rehabilitation Studies, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and Dr.Augustina Naami,Head,Social Work Department,University of Ghana, shed light on the scientific underpinnings of climate change and highlighted the need for sustainable adaptation measures.

The Ghana Youth Video Programme, an innovative initiative, aims to equip young Ghanaians with the skills and knowledge needed to tell compelling stories through video production. By combining artistic expression and environmental advocacy, the program empowers these aspiring filmmakers to influence change and inspire others to take environmental action.

The climate change documentary screening organized by GYVP successfully brought together diverse stakeholders, fostering dialogue and collaboration around this critical global issue. The event served as a reminder of the urgency required to address climate change and showcased the tremendous potential of Ghana’s youth in leading the charge towards a sustainable and resilient future.

Reflecting on the success of the event, the Rector of the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), Professor Samuel Kwaku Bonsu lauded the initiative saying the idea is to encourage the youth to appreciate the role that they can play in addressing the climate change challenge that we all face as as part of the world. “A very simple part of it is to increased awareness and more people are hearing about it”. 

Professor Samuel Kwaku Bonsu added that, tackling climate change is a collective responsibility. “To the public, take climate change seriously be part of the solution. Let’s apply the relevant resources that we have to ensure that we address the climate change challenges. That we face because it affects all of us and not just an individual or individuals”.

As the effects of climate change continue to be felt globally, initiatives like GYVP play a vital role in raising awareness and inspiring action. The documentary screening undoubtedly served as a catalyst for change, inspiring individuals to make a difference and promoting a collective effort to combat climate change in Ghana and beyond.

The Ghana Youth Video Programme is in collaboration with the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Climate, Wilfried Laurier University in Canada and the Youth Climate Report. Some of the youth in the programme were presented with certificates.