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Paper short abstract:

This paper examines the place of traditional knowledge in contemporary youth's environmental activism and politics in Ghana. The paper presents the research results from a study trip to Ghana in the Spring of 2023.

Paper long abstract:

Ghana's culture provides various approaches to nature and development based on the values of sharing and cooperation. Traditional societies believe the environment has a spiritual significance and brings harmony to humans. People protect forests near their settlements in rural areas as they are supposed to bring water to their villages. Cultural rules place taboos on fishing or water pollution because water bodies are perceived as the dwelling of gods. These practices have helped to protect nature many times. Unfortunately, some disappear as people resign from protecting the environment because of the necessity of survival.

Rural societies and poorer city inhabitants are the most vulnerable to climate change effects and environmental degradation. The same applies to young people – they will be most affected soon. Ghana's youth are aware of the anthropocentric catastrophe and aspire to work for nature protection and climate change mitigation. The question is whether they reflect on the old practices and incorporate them into their activism to develop new environmental protection policies, in line with the Akan adage that the past serves as a guide for the future.

This paper examines the place of traditional knowledge in contemporary youth's environmental activism and politics in Ghana. Can Ghanaian youth utilize old traditions in climate and sustainability advocacy? How does Ghana’s government support the youth and their aspirations in climate and sustainability commitments? How do governmental institutions refer to traditional knowledge? The paper presents the research results from a study trip to Ghana in the Spring of 2023.