24Oct
Ghana is in an ecological crisis. To mend the situation, the voice, knowledge, and engagement of our youth are crucial. Therefore, on Thursday, 16th October 2025, in a stride towards strengthening youth involvement in environmental advocacy and sustainability, the Young Reporters for the Environment (YRE) Ghana has officially inaugurated its newly appointed eleven-member youth Board to drive knowledge and awareness on these topics among Ghanaians. YRE is an international program owned by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), run under the auspices of the Center for Sustainable Transformation (CeST) in Ghana.
The inauguration ceremony, held on Thursday, October 16, 2025, was presided over by Ms. Hilde Opoku, Co-Founder of CeST. In her address, Ms. Opoku commended the new board members for accepting the call to serve, describing their appointment as “a symbol of renewed hope and commitment to youth leadership in environmental transformation.” She emphasized that the future of the planet depends on the capacity of young people to raise their voices, investigate, report, and influence sustainable change within their communities.
Administering the Oath of Office, Ms. Opoku expressed deep confidence in the competence and dedication of the newly inaugurated members. “I am, without a shred of doubt, confident that you will deliver in this new office,” she said. “You are not only the voices of the environment but also the architects of a new narrative, one that prioritizes action, accountability, and advocacy for a cleaner and more sustainable Ghana.”
The newly inaugurated Board Chairperson, Mr. Isaac Aryeetey, speaking on behalf of his colleagues, expressed profound gratitude to CeST, Ms. Hilde Opoku, and the Acting Manager of CeST, Mr. Emmanuel Akumun, for their mentorship and trust. “You have given us not only a platform but a purpose,” he stated. “And we assure you that this trust will not be misplaced. You have bestowed upon us the privilege and power to contribute meaningfully to a cause that transcends generations, the pursuit of environmental sustainability and transformation.”
Mr. Isaac Aryeetey, Board Chairperson of the newly inaugurated YRE board
In his inaugural remarks to his fellow board members, Mr. Aryeetey delivered an impassioned address that resonated deeply with the audience. “Yes, we will fight. Yes, we will disagree in opinions. Yes, we will debate and challenge each other’s ideas. But in the midst of all that, let us never lose sight of why we are here. The purpose that brings us together goes beyond our individual perspectives; it is the shared mission of building a cleaner, more sustainable, and environmentally conscious Ghana. Our differences are not our weakness; they are our greatest strength, and we will use them to forge solutions.” His words sparked a wave of applause, symbolizing unity, hope, and renewed energy for the movement ahead.
Outlining his vision, Mr. Aryeetey presented a roadmap that highlighted key strategic partnerships and stakeholder engagements the Board intends to pursue. These include outreach strategies and close collaborations with the education sector, media organizations, governmental institutions, youth networks, and environmental activists, all crucial allies in achieving the YRE’s mission to inspire action, reporting, and leadership among young people.
The newly inaugurated Board Members, in no order of priority, are: Isaac Aryeetey (Chairperson), Zorkot Banful Kumah (Vice-Chairperson), Emmanuel Abgenya (General Secretary), Stanley Bonney (Youth Organization relations secretary), Salamatu Ibrahim (Communications & Outreach secretary), Lucrecia Maame Mante-Bonsra (Multilateral Organization Relation Secretary), Thelma Bamanteeh Naroog (Research & Report relations secretary), Nicholas Erzah( Projects Manager), Steven Asare-Mante (Projects Manager), Wilbert Venunye Adri(Events Organizer) and Tom Dockery (Events Organizer)
The swearing-in ceremony marks a defining chapter in the history of Young Reporters for the Environment Ghana, which was formally established on January 3, 2018, solidifying its governance structure and laying the groundwork for future strategic initiatives. With renewed leadership, the program aims to expand its reach across educational institutions and communities, championing environmental awareness, youth empowerment, and evidence-based reporting on pressing ecological issues.
As the ceremony concluded, a profound sense of purpose filled the platform, one anchored in the belief that young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow, but the change-makers of today. With passion, innovation, and collective strength, the newly appointed Board is poised to ignite a national movement, one that empowers youth to act, to report, and to lead in protecting the planet for generations to come.
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