An innovative skills development initiative by EcoGreen Oases Legacy is making a strong impact in Northern Ghana, tackling youth unemployment while promoting environmental sustainability.
This follows the successful completion of its Green Skills Training Programme in Tamale, a three-day workshop held from April 6 to 8 at Bagabaga College of Education.
The training brought together 113 participants—including young people, women, returnees, and persons with disabilities—and equipped them with practical skills in recycling, upcycling, and green entrepreneurship to support sustainable livelihoods.
The programme, led by Queen Nihad Titiaka Oases Ibrahim, Executive Director of EcoGreen Oases Legacy and winner of Ghana’s Most Beautiful 2024, is part of a broader effort to turn environmental challenges into economic opportunities while building local capacity for climate action.
Participants were trained in key areas including climate action and waste management, green entrepreneurship and financial literacy, circular economy principles, digital skills, business development, and marketing. The programme placed a strong emphasis on practical, hands-on learning to ensure participants could apply their skills effectively.
Speaking on behalf of the Northern Regional Minister, Hon. Ali Adolf John, Regional Budget Analyst Mr Mahamudu Haruna described the initiative as both timely and impactful in addressing the dual challenges of unemployment and environmental degradation.
He noted that climate change continues to take a toll on livelihoods in the region, particularly affecting agriculture, food security, and overall economic stability.
He noted that climate action should not be seen as the sole responsibility of government, but rather as a shared effort driven by individuals equipped with the right skills and resources.
“This programme has shown that what we often consider waste is in fact a valuable resource that can be transformed into income-generating opportunities,” he said.
He further urged Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies, the private sector, and financial institutions to support beneficiaries with access to capital, technical assistance, and markets. According to him, achieving sustainable development will require stronger collaboration across all sectors.
In her closing remarks, Queen Titiaka said the initiative goes beyond skills training, describing it as a growing movement aimed at empowering individuals to drive change within their communities.
She explained that the programme is designed to help participants take control of their futures, turn challenges into opportunities, and become agents of change. She added that EcoGreen’s long-term vision is to promote sustainable livelihoods while strengthening environmental responsibility across Ghana.
The Sagnarigu Traditional Area also expressed its support for the initiative. The Paramount Chief, Sagnar Naa Ambassador Yakubu Abdulai, who earlier received the EcoGreen team at his palace ahead of the programme, was represented at the closing ceremony by Chief Yakubu Abdulai Andani (Sagnarigu Kukuo Naa).
He commended the initiative and encouraged beneficiaries to apply the skills gained to improve their livelihoods and contribute meaningfully to community development.
A key highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of awards and start-up support to outstanding participants and groups.
EcoGreen Oases Legacy provided the best-performing team with training materials and seed capital, while one participant, Adam Suad Malbiyara, received special recognition for his innovative design of a sofa and storage unit made from discarded car tyres and other waste materials.
Presenting the awards, Project Coordinator Prince A. A. Sadat described the initiative as the beginning of a larger journey of impact. “This is just the beginning of greater things to come. We encourage you to embrace challenges and strive for excellence,” he told participants.
The programme is supported by development partners, including the German Sparkassenstiftung Western Africa (DSIK), the Ghanaian-European Centre for Jobs, Migration and Development (GEC), and GIZ.
Speaking at the event, DSIK Project Coordinator Mr Benjamin Tawiah Adomako highlighted the organisation’s role and that of its partners in promoting sustainable livelihoods, job creation, and economic inclusion across Ghana.
He explained that the initiative is part of a broader programme supported by GEC, the European Union (EU), and GIZ, aimed at equipping returnees, young people, women, and other vulnerable groups with practical, market-relevant skills. The goal, he said, is to support reintegration and strengthen long-term economic resilience.
He also stressed that partnerships of this nature are crucial for building local capacity and ensuring community-driven interventions that deliver lasting impact.
The event brought together several key stakeholders, including the Northern Regional Labour Officer, Mr Mustapha Alhassan; GIZ Northern Regional Representative Ms Ruth Mensah; and Senior Lecturer at Tamale Technical University, Mr Iddrisu Ibrahim Oases. They all highlighted the importance of sustained collaboration in creating more opportunities for young people and vulnerable groups.
The training sessions were facilitated by an experienced team of trainers who combined technical knowledge with practical mentorship, ensuring participants gained both theoretical understanding and hands-on skills.
The training team brought together a diverse group of experts who delivered sessions across entrepreneurship, sustainability, and skills development.
Among them was Mr Arnold Andrew Asafu-Adjeye, an international media and communications consultant and mentorship coach, who led sessions on entrepreneurship and financial literacy. Queen Nihad Titiaka Oases Ibrahim provided strategic guidance on climate action and programme direction, while Mr Mohammed Alhassan facilitated hands-on training in upcycling and product development.
Mrs Anthoinet Ohene-Amoah delivered sessions on digital literacy and business skills, and Mr Issahaku Abdul-Latif guided participants through marketing and enterprise development.
Project Coordinator Prince A. A. Sadat also played a central role in coordinating training activities and engaging participants throughout the programme.
Together, the facilitators helped deliver a programme that went beyond theory, equipping participants with practical skills and the confidence to turn their learning into viable economic opportunities.
Following the success of the Tamale cohort, EcoGreen Oases Legacy is preparing to roll out a second phase of the programme in Techiman in the Bono East Region. The next phase will target another 100 beneficiaries as part of efforts to expand impact and strengthen community-based green enterprises across Ghana.