A 16-year-old student of Ghana Senior High School (GHANASCO), Tamale, Miss Hikima Fatawu Saha, has launched a climate advocacy book titled The Lasting Impact, aimed at inspiring young people to take action against environmental degradation.
The event, held at the Damongo Community Centre on Saturday, brought together government officials, traditional authorities, educators, students, and community members to celebrate the remarkable achievement of the young author, who is a native of Damongo in the Savannah Region.
Speaking at the launch, Miss Saha expressed concern about the growing environmental challenges facing Ghana, particularly illegal mining, poor sanitation, and increasing environmental disasters.
“Looking at the kind of environmental challenges facing us today, especially in Ghana, illegal mining, sanitation challenges, and environmental-related disasters, these issues are really occurring and affecting our future,” she said.
She explained that her desire to rise above these challenges and contribute meaningfully to society inspired her to write the book, not only for personal growth but also to impact younger generations.
“I wanted to inspire young people and give them an impactful message. That is why I wrote The Lasting Impact, so I can inspire generations to come,” she added.
Miss Saha revealed that her inspiration began in an unexpected way while watching cartoons on YouTube. She later came across a key global discussion by the United Nations on climate change, specifically the COP27 summit held in Egypt, which significantly influenced her decision to write the book.
According to her, witnessing global leaders deliberate on climate issues, while some are perceived to be linked to environmentally harmful practices, motivated her to focus on educating the youth.
“This inspired me to write the book to educate young ones. When they are well-informed, they will stand firm to protect the environment, even if others try to destroy it,” she noted.
The young author emphasized the importance of discipline, hard work, and determination in achieving success. She disclosed that balancing academic work, domestic responsibilities, and writing required strict time management and personal discipline.
“I created a timetable for myself. After my chores, I dedicate time to writing. Discipline has brought me this far,” she said.
She expressed optimism that with proper education and commitment, the Savannah Region could become one of the cleanest regions in Ghana, and eventually, Ghana could emerge as one of the cleanest countries in Africa.
Miss Saha also highlighted the importance of tree conservation and environmental education among young people, noting that informed youth can play a critical role in combating climate change, improving food production, ensuring water availability, and reducing sanitation-related diseases.
The book, she indicated, targets readers of all ages but places special emphasis on young people. It addresses key issues such as climate change, sustainable development, sanitation, and illegal mining.
Despite facing challenges, including initial difficulties with English language proficiency during her junior high school years, she said determination helped her overcome those obstacles.
“I told myself I wanted to do this, so I had to improve my English. Today, I have been able to write this book,” she said.
Miss Saha used the opportunity to call on government, institutions, traditional leaders, and international climate organizations to support her initiative and promote climate action.
She also expressed gratitude to the Savannah Regional Minister, the Education Directorate, traditional authorities including the King and Overlord of the Gonja Traditional Area, as well as her parents, teachers, friends, and colleagues for their support.
In his part, the Chairman of the Book Launch Committee, Hon. Ananpansah Bartholomew Abraham, assured that efforts to promote climate awareness in the Savannah Region will continue beyond the launch of The Lasting Impact.
Describing the occasion as historic, he noted that the event marked a significant milestone for both the author and stakeholders committed to education and environmental protection.
He said the committee worked tirelessly to mobilize support from institutions, agencies, and individuals to ensure the success of the launch, emphasizing that the initiative goes beyond a one-day event.
According to him, the goal is to sustain climate advocacy efforts and support the young author to become a strong voice in environmental protection. He further highlighted the impacts of climate change, including erratic rainfall, environmental degradation, water pollution, and health challenges, stressing the need for collective action.
The Budget Officer of the Savannah Regional Coordinating Council (RCC), speaking on behalf of the Savannah Regional Minister, delivered a keynote address at the launch of The Lasting Impact. He emphasized the urgent need for climate education and climate adaptation as key responses to environmental challenges.
He noted that while people continue to struggle for survival, it is important to adopt sustainable practices that do not further degrade the environment.
“For us, two things are very important, climate education and climate adaptation,” he stated.
He urged citizens, especially young people, to become climate ambassadors in their communities and emphasized the importance of maintaining clean surroundings as part of daily life rather than occasional exercises.
He further noted that environmental cleanliness is essential for preventing pollution, reducing disease outbreaks, and promoting sustainable development. The address reaffirmed the Savannah Regional Minister’s commitment on whose behalf he spoke to supporting climate awareness initiatives and youth empowerment in environmental protection.
The event was chaired by Chief Tolodompewura Abdallah Ahmed, a traditional ruler and certified mediator.With solidarity messages delivered by representatives from the Ghana Tourism Authority, Environmental Protection Agency, Ghana Education Service, Ghana Water Limited, the Municipal Chief Executive for West Gonja, among others.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Tourism Authority and the Environmental Protection Agency also indicated plans to consider ambassadorial roles for the young author in climate advocacy within the Savannah Region.
The event was well attended by community members, students from across the Savannah Region, and staff and students of Ghana Senior High School (GHANASCO), Tamale, among others.
The Lasting Impact is expected to serve as a powerful educational tool to promote environmental awareness and inspire collective action among Ghana’s youth.
