As a long-distance athlete hailing from the Northern Region of Ghana, my journey has been intricately woven with my passion for running and a deep-seated desire to uplift my community. Initially, my aspirations were firmly rooted in the business realm — I envisioned establishing an NGO dedicated to supporting athletes and impoverished individuals. However, a transformative experience during my time at university ended up redirecting my career trajectory and ignited a new passion within me, which is advocacy for climate change.
In 2022, after submitting my application to be a volunteer, I was honoured to be selected as an UrbanBetter Cityzens Run Leader. This opportunity was a turning point in my journey as a full-time athlete. My active participation as a run leader helped me to understand the profound effects of air pollution on human health and the environment. The more I learned, the clearer it became that addressing climate change isn’t merely an environmental concern — it’s a critical issue that directly impacts the health and well-being of vulnerable individuals such as we athletes.
This realisation strengthened my passion for environmental advocacy. After my first degree graduation, I decided to pursue a Master’s degree in Development Studies at the University of Ghana, with a specialisation in Economic Development and Environmental Studies. My academic thesis focuses on the impact of climate change on vulnerable communities and exploring strategic measures to mitigate these effects. I’m excited to begin this academic programme as I believe it’ll equip me with the knowledge and skills needed to effect real change.
This year, I volunteered again to be an UrbanBetter Cityzens Run Leader through which I participated in a three-day future literacy workshop. During the first two days of the workshop, we delved into the concept of future literacy, exploring how our visions of the future shape our present actions. Through a creative exercise called the Polak Game, we expressed our hopes and fears about the future, assessing various opportunities for achieving sustainable development goals. My group envisioned a world in 2054 that had successfully achieved Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. This exercise not only sparked our imaginations but also highlighted the importance of proactive planning in creating a better future.
We were introduced to the Three Horizons Framework, a strategic tool that helps balance the demands of the present with the opportunities of the future. This framework provided us with a structured approach to navigating the complexities of sustainability. The first horizon focuses on current challenges and maintaining existing systems, while the second horizon emphasises identifying innovations and shifts needed for improvement. The third horizon encourages us to envision bold, transformative ideas for a sustainable future. This holistic approach resonated with me, reinforcing the idea that effective advocacy requires a blend of immediate action and visionary thinking.
On the final day of the workshop, we explored the Precision Advocacy Model, which is designed to refine our advocacy strategies. This model emphasises the importance of diagnosing problems accurately by asking deeper “why” questions and remaining open to new ideas and emerging issues. With my background in environmental and social safeguards, I now feel empowered to tailor my advocacy efforts to meet the specific needs of various stakeholders. I’m passionate about leveraging this model to drive meaningful, lasting change in my community and beyond.
This workshop not only enhanced my understanding of urban health and climate resilience but also reinforced my belief in the power of collective action and innovation. Together, we can envision and create healthier, more sustainable urban spaces that prioritise the well-being of all community members.
As I continue my journey from athlete to advocate, I remain committed to using my experiences to drive change. My involvement in advocacy has reshaped my career goals and ignited a passion for researching and addressing climate change. I’m excited about the path ahead, knowing that the work we do today will pave the way for a healthier, more sustainable future for my community and the planet. Together, we can rise to the challenge and create a world where health and sustainability are at the forefront of urban development.