Youth Alliance for Green Ghana (YAGG), a national youth-led not-for-profit organization says, it is alarmed by the environmental crises in Ghana and their repercussions for both current and future generations. In a statement copied to ghenvironment.com, it said, Ghana is grappling with a host of environmental problems, including deforestation and pollution from illegal mining, endangering the welfare of its people and those yet to come, and addressing these pressing issues requires immediate attention and decisive measures. It is therefore calling for an Intergenerational Equity Framework to govern Ghana’s environmental challenges. “Intergenerational equity in international environmental law asserts that each generation shares responsibility for the Earth with past, present, and future generations. This principle is enshrined in key environmental agreements from the 1972 Stockholm Declaration to the 2015 Paris Agreement, emphasizing the shared duty to safeguard the environment for all”, it said. The statement said, Ghana needs to step up its game and become the environmental superheroes the country needs, adding “It's time to don our green capes, pick up our recycling shields, and conquer the environmental villains that menace our land”. According to the statement, even though Article 36(9) is already a clause for intergenerational equity in the constitution, it is not binding enough to hold the government accountable since it’s just a guiding principle. “Youth Alliance for Green Ghana (YAGG) urges the Ghanaian government, organizations, and citizens to come together like a giant eco-friendly hug and take decisive actions. We need to plant more trees like a squirrel on a caffeine addiction, reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, and encourage sustainable practices in every aspect of our lives. We have observed that as part of Ghana’s actions under the Climate Vulnerable Forum, there is an intention to develop a Posterity Plan. In as much as we laud these intentions, it is imperative for the government of Ghana to institutionalize intergenerational equity, by setting up an independent body, completely exclusive of the executive in appointments and control to supervise prioritisation of intergenerational equity by all state and non-state actors”, it said. Below is the full statement The Youth Alliance for Green Ghana (YAGG) is alarmed by the environmental crises in Ghana and their repercussions for both current and future generations, underscoring the importance of upholding intergenerational equity. Ghana is grappling with a host of environmental problems, including deforestation and pollution from illegal mining, endangering the welfare of its people and those yet to come. Addressing these pressing issues requires immediate attention and decisive measures. Intergenerational equity in international environmental law asserts that each generation shares responsibility for the Earth with past, present, and future generations. This principle is enshrined in key environmental agreements from the 1972 Stockholm Declaration to the 2015 Paris Agreement, emphasizing the shared duty to safeguard the environment for all. The preamble of the Stockholm Declaration underscores the imperative of protecting the environment for present and future generations alongside goals of peace and global development. The declaration's Principle 1 asserts the fundamental rights of individuals to freedom, equality, and adequate living conditions within a dignified environment while emphasizing their duty to protect and enhance the environment for present and future generations. Principle 2 emphasizes the safeguarding of natural resources, including air, water, land, flora, and fauna, for the benefit of both current and future generations through careful planning and management. This principle underscores the importance of preserving representative ecosystems. Subsequent international environmental laws have consistently included provisions to protect the interests of future generations, building on the principles established in Stockholm. As members of the present generation, we hold the Earth in trust for future generations. At the same time, we are beneficiaries entitled to use and benefit from it and the reason for environmental justice, therefore, is to ensure that there is intragenerational and intergenerational equity. There must be a fair access to good and livable environment among and between generations. In addition to deforestation, pollution has become an unwelcome guest at Ghana's environmental party. From air pollution in major cities to water pollution in our rivers and oceans, all of which posing serous health risk for present and future generations. Our air quality is so compromised that even our local birds are thinking twice before taking a breath. And let's not even get started on our water bodies; they now resemble a murky bowl of soup rather than a pristine source of life. These environmental challenges not only affect us in the present but also jeopardize intergenerational equity. Our children and grandchildren deserve a greener, cleaner, and healthier Ghana, but sadly, they might inherit a country that looks like a neglected garden. It's like passing down a twisted game of "Environmental Jenga" that threatens to collapse on the ones we love. Countries like Wales, Australia, UK and South Africa have these intergenerational frameworks to hold government accountable for their acts. Intergenerational equity calls on us to act responsibly and ensure that our actions today do not compromise the ability of future generations to meet their needs. We, as Ghanaians, need to step up our game and become the environmental superheroes our country needs. It's time to don our green capes, pick up our recycling shields, and conquer the environmental villains that menace our land. Some people argue that Article 36(9) is already a clause for intergenerational equity in the constitution however there’s no need for this framework. It is our position that Article 36(9) is not binding enough to hold Government accountable since it’s just a guiding principle. Youth Alliance for Green Ghana (YAGG) urges the Ghanaian government, organizations, and citizens to come together like a giant eco-friendly hug and take decisive actions. We need to plant more trees like a squirrel on a caffeine addiction, reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, and encourage sustainable practices in every aspect of our lives. We have observed that as part of Ghana’s actions under the Climate Vulnerable Forum, there is an intention to develop a Posterity Plan. In as much as we laud these intentions, it is imperative for the government of Ghana to institutionalize intergenerational equity, by setting up an independent body, completely exclusive of the executive in appointments and control to supervise prioritisation of intergenerational equity by all state and non-state actors. In conclusion, the environmental issues facing Ghana demand our attention, action, and a sprinkle of humor. Together, we can create a greener, cleaner, and more vibrant Ghana for generations to come. Remember, saving the environment is not just the responsibility of a select few but a journey we embark on as a playful and loving community.