The Strategic Youth Network for Development (SYND) is calling on government to equip educational institutions with the appropriate tools and infrastructure to train students on renewable energy.
This plea came about as part of calls on government by the group to actively involve the youth in Ghana’s Renewable Energy Development plan.
In marking the World Youth Day, the group in a statement called on the government of Ghana to be deliberate in involving the youth in the policy target of 10% renewable energy contribution into the country’s energy mix by 2030.
SYND also asked the government to provide financial support and other incentives for young innovators in renewable energy development as well as creating a forum for periodic dialogue on renewable energy which will provide an opportunity for not only youth voices to be heard but also help shape and influence the country’s efforts positively.
They further ask the government to enact policies and legislation that support or encourage youth participation in making processes on renewable energy at the local level, regional and national levels with clear indicators for tracking and evaluation purposes.
The group said,
“Accessible and affordable energy is critical towards attaining poverty reduction programmes through industrialization and economic growth. While renewable energy has the tendency to help accelerate economic growth and help build a more resilient energy sector for a ‘green recovery’ post-COVID 19, the active inclusion of young people in the processes at all levels should be a deliberate intention by governments and world leaders.”
They went on to say that, even though the need for youth participation in decision-making is well intended, its implementation has often been very challenging especially in under-developed or developing economies.
Finally, the statement said,
“As the population of Ghana grows, so is the demand for energy to support both domestic and industrial needs. The COVID-19 crisis has further highlighted the importance of making energy accessible and affordable as coping mechanism particularly for the poor and vulnerable. Also, renewable energy development does not only provide energy solutions but also creates alternative job opportunities for young people who may have lost their jobs or source of livelihood as a result of the pandemic.”
About SYND
SYND is the convener of the Youth in Natural Resources and Environmental Governance (Youth-NREG) Platform. The Platform provides space for learning and sharing among young people working on different environmental actions as well as create an opportunity for joint advocacy.
Their ultimate aim is to promote youth inclusion in the governance of the Natural Resources and Environmental sector.
To support the growth of Ghana’s renewable energy sector, they have initiated the “Youth in Renewable Energy Movement” campaign to build the capacity of young people as active agents in the sector and create the space for dialogues between the youth and state and non-state actors towards achieving a common goal.
This they say they believe will feed into the on-going regional and global processes such as the Africa Agenda 2016, SDG 7 (Clean and Affordable Energy), Sustainable Energy for All (SE4ALL) and Paris Climate Agreement.
