The Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority (NYA), Osman Abdullai Ayariga, has called on young Ghanaians to take full responsibility for protecting their environment, emphasizing that environmental cleanliness is a shared civic duty.
He made the call during the nationwide youth cleanup exercise held yesterday, August 2, 2025, across all 16 regions of the country. The initiative formed part of the ongoing National Youth Festival 2025, under the theme “Igniting Potential, Inspiring Change.”
“The youth are responsible for protecting the environment and keeping it clean!” Mr. Osman Abdullai Ayariga, declared, as he joined a team of volunteers participating in the exercise in Accra. “This is not just about sanitation. It’s about shaping a culture of environmental consciousness and civic responsibility.”
Organized by the NYA in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment, the massive cleanup exercise mobilized thousands of young people, community leaders, and volunteers to desilt gutters, clear refuse, and tidy public spaces in cities, towns, and villages nationwide.
Osman Abdullai Ayariga, reiterated the NYA’s commitment to facilitating youth development through action-oriented programs that combine empowerment with impact. “When we ignite the potential of our youth, we inspire change that ripples through communities, transforms lives, and propels our nation toward greater prosperity,” he noted .
The nationwide cleanup is one of several activities under the National Youth Festival, which runs throughout August. Other scheduled events include:
- A Youth Dialogue with Religious Leaders
- A Health Walk Against Substance Abuse
- A Multi-Stakeholder Conference on Climate Action and Environmental Sustainability
- A National Youth Conference
- A Grand Youth Carnival to close the festival
With strong youth participation, trending social media hashtags such as #NYF2025, #NYC2025, and #FacilitatingYouthDevelopment, the 2025 National Youth Festival continues to serve as a powerful platform for engaging, inspiring, and empowering the next generation of Ghanaian leaders.
