Who We Are
ABOUT US
The Ghana Youth Environmental Movement (GYEM) is a youth-led environmental group in Ghana. GYEM exist to mobilise and empower youth between the ages of 15-35 years to protect the environment and advocate for sustainable futures. We do this through education and youth engagement, policy advocacy, campaigning, and driving local action relevant to global challenges. With justice at the heart of our work, we are passionate about providing solutions to climate change, nature loss and improving the wellbeing of the most vulnerable people in our communities.
WHY YOUNG PEOPLE
One-third of Ghana’s population comprises young people between the ages of 10-24. Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) shows that 57% of the country’s population is below 25 years (2014 estimate). Some of the key environmental challenges in Ghana that affect young people include plastic pollution, electronic waste, deforestation, mining, soil infertility and the impacts of climate change on agriculture and water resources.
Despite the potential and creativity in addressing some of these challenges, the country’s youth also face barriers such as limited opportunities for development, social exclusion, inequalities, unemployment and poverty.
Youth focused organisations also encounter challenges pertaining to capacity, financial resourcing, and limited opportunities for networking and organisational development. In addition to this, weak institutional support, fragmented national policies, and insufficient investment in youth-led initiatives hinder the realisation of sustainability goals and limit young people’s ability to contribute to national development.
All these capacity, financial and organisational challenges limit the involvement of youth in national policy-making processes and restrict their influence on sustainable development strategies locally.
Despite the potential and creativity in addressing some of these challenges, the country’s youth also face barriers such as limited opportunities for development, social exclusion, inequalities, unemployment and poverty.
Youth focused organisations also encounter challenges pertaining to capacity, financial resourcing, and limited opportunities for networking and organisational development. In addition to this, weak institutional support, fragmented national policies, and insufficient investment in youth-led initiatives hinder the realisation of sustainability goals and limit young people’s ability to contribute to national development.
All these capacity, financial and organisational challenges limit the involvement of youth in national policy-making processes and restrict their influence on sustainable development strategies locally.
OUR VISION
We envision a just and sustainable future where clean air, water, and thriving ecosystems support people and nature. Together, we’re working to protect our planet, ensuring resilient, safe and healthy lives for all.
OUR MISSION
We unite and empower young people from all backgrounds with the skills resources, and voice to lead bold solutions to the most urgent environmental challenges of our time.
We Achieve This By
Empowering activists in Ghana to defend the environment and to protect nature from destruction by training and developing their leadership, skills and capacities to launch campaigns, hold decision makers to account and drive policy change at the national level.
Working with leaders, change makers and organisations in frontline communities to co-develop sustainable solutions that safeguard natural resources, build resilience to climate impacts and improve livelihoods.
Building collaborative relationships and strategic alliances with organisations that develop the leadership and capacity of young people, amplify their voice to speak truth to power, and provide them with opportunities to work towards sustainable futures.
OUR VALUES
Innovation
We embrace creativity, using bold and unconventional strategies to amplify our message and drive change.
Adaptivity
We stay agile, learning from diverse experiences while drawing wisdom from African traditions to solve today’s ecological crises.
Non-Violent
We believe in the principles of non-violence in campaigning for change.
Community
We believe in collective action built through connections and relationships of trust and respect.
Commitment
We are a dedicated and courageous movement, relentlessly campaigning for environmental justice—no matter the obstacles.
Justice-Centred
We give a voice to those who unfairly suffer the impacts of environmental destruction and build the power of communities at the frontlines of climate change
How we Create Change
Activist Training
We equip campaigners with the skills to design and lead non-violent direct action (NVDA) that exposes systemic injustice and demands accountability.
We equip campaigners with the skills to design and lead non-violent direct action (NVDA) that exposes systemic injustice and demands accountability.
Grassroots Leadership
We build and empower local leaders to drive bold and proven solutions—because real change occurs from the bottom up.
We build and empower local leaders to drive bold and proven solutions—because real change occurs from the bottom up.
System Change
We work towards transformative change while recognizing and celebrating progress along the way.
We work towards transformative change while recognizing and celebrating progress along the way.
Centering Frontline Communities
Communities lie at the heart of our work, prioritizing the well-being of those most affected by environmental injustice.
Communities lie at the heart of our work, prioritizing the well-being of those most affected by environmental injustice.
A DYNAMIC TEAM PROTECTING GRASSROOT COMMUNITIES
Meet the teamWe are continuously looking for young people with convictions to join our movement. We look for commitment and availability before ability, so if you’ve got that get in touch. You will be supported with the skills and network to make a change!
Be a part of us
Our Partners & Supporters
