As part of the seminar series organised by Center for Climate Change and Sustainability Studies (C3SS) of the University of Ghana, the Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN),  in partnership with the Okyeame Kwame (OK) Foundation, hosted a conversation on Art and Climate Activism at the University of Ghana campus. The seminar took place on November 24, 2023, and marked a significant step in integrating creative arts into climate literacy.

Okyeame Kwame, Guest Speaker.

The event was attended by over seventy graduate and undergraduate students from various university departments, including the School of Performing Arts, Geography and Resource Development, and the Institute for Environment and Sanitation Studies (IESS). According Dr Prince Ansah, the Country Engagement Lead for CDKN emphasised that this activity is part of CDKN Ghana's commitment to bridge the gap in communicating climate change technicalities and policy and innovative arts-based approaches to climate action.

Okyeame Kwame shares work in climate advocacy and justices with students.

Okyeame Kwame, a renowned artist and climate activist, was the main speaker at the event. He emphasized the importance of aligning popular culture with climate action, particularly in the realms of climate literacy and climate justice. Okyeame encouraged student researchers to venture beyond academic confines and utilize creative platforms like social media, virtual communication, art, and photography to disseminate their research findings.

Students interact with Okyeame Kwame.

The seminar also focused on the human-induced causes of climate change and the need for everyday actions to reduce emission footprints. Okyeame Kwame provided practical examples, such as managing household water and energy usage, and advocated for a shift in the narrative from tree planting to tree growing, emphasizing the importance of responsibility and ownership in environmental stewardship.

Several students shared their initiatives contributing to climate action in their communities, ranging from livelihood empowerment and recycling to artificial Intelligence, disaster risk management, and gender equity.

Professor Kwadwo Owusu speaks to students.

The Director of C3SS, Professor Kwadwo Owusu, expressed his excitement about the seminar and encouraged students to become change agents. He stressed the importance of maintaining the scientific and technical foundations of climate science as tools for advocacy. He also mentioned that the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ghana lauded this cross-sectoral approach, recognizing its potential in enhancing experiential learning.

In collaboration with C3SS, CDKN Ghana announced a climate advocacy prize for students with innovative ideas aligned with climate justice and literacy.

Group photo of guest speaker and participants.

The event concluded with an invitation for participants to volunteer with the OK Foundation, highlighting the seminar's role in fostering collaborative networks for sustainable climate action in Ghana and the subregion.