Innovative youth groups in Kumasi have turned everyday waste into valuable eco-friendly products, showcasing their ingenuity at the Phase 2 Exhibition of the Youth Climate Action Fund (YCAF) held on August 27, 2025, at the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) Conference Hall.
The exhibition featured a wide range of projects that demonstrated how waste and natural resources could be transformed into solutions that fight climate change, improve livelihoods, and build a greener Kumasi.
Among the highlights was the smart solar-powered dustbin created by 3-in-1 Tech Waste Solutions, which integrates technology into waste management to ensure efficiency and cleanliness in public spaces. Sunawash introduced eco-friendly soaps made from recycled plantain peels, offering a sustainable alternative to chemical-based household products.
In addition, GAPS KNUST presented green charcoal produced from coconut husks, which provides a renewable and cleaner substitute for traditional wood charcoal. Green Awareness International displayed their climate education initiatives, focused on raising awareness in schools and communities about the effects of climate change and how to adapt to them.
Students of Martyrs of Uganda School exhibited smoke detectors designed to promote fire safety in homes and institutions. Echo Youth Alliance shared findings from their climate-resilient vegetable research, aimed at helping farmers adapt crop production to shifting weather patterns. The Crusaders team also showcased sustainable practices, including composting, tree planting, waste segregation, and biogas production.
Mayor of Kumasi, Hon. Richard Kwasi Ofori Boadi Agyemang, praised the creativity of the young innovators, describing their projects as “proof that waste can indeed be turned into wealth.” He assured the participants of the KMA’s continuous support, pledging to provide an open-door policy for collaboration, technical backing, and financial assistance.
“These innovations demonstrate that our young people are ready to lead the green transition,” the Mayor said. “The KMA will ensure that such brilliant ideas are nurtured into sustainable enterprises that protect our environment and also create jobs for the youth of Kumasi.”
The Youth Climate Action Fund (YCAF), sponsored by Bloomberg Philanthropies United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG), is designed to empower young people to tackle climate change head-on. This year’s theme, “Youth Climate Action!! Stewards of the Environment”, reinforces the call for youth to lead the charge in building sustainable communities.
Organisers of the exhibition expressed optimism that the showcased projects would attract funding and partnerships to expand their impact across Kumasi and beyond. They also applauded the Mayor for positioning youth innovation at the centre of Kumasi’s climate and sustainability agenda.
With Kumasi pushing forward as a city determined to become climate-resilient and eco-friendly, the exhibition made clear that the next generation is already offering game-changing solutions that turn waste into wealth.
