35 Years of Promoting Gender Equality, Social Justice & Youth Action in Ghana: ActionAid Ghana Leads SDGs Interventions

In 1990, ActionAid Ghana began its journey in the Bawku West District of the Upper East Region with a simple but powerful mission: to work with the most vulnerable communities to achieve social justice, gender equality, and poverty eradication. Thirty-five years later, that mission has grown into a nationwide movement, reaching millions and building a legacy of activism, empowerment, and transformation.

From Local Action to National Impact 

• Over the last three and a half decades, ActionAid Ghana has collaborated with communities to deliver transformative change:
• Over 58 community childcare centers and kindergartens built, ensuring rural children begin school in safe, nurturing environments (SDG 4: Quality Education).
• 80 basic schools constructed and handed over, thereby widening access to equitable education (SDG 4).
• Thousands of dual desks, WASH facilities, and sanitary pad dispensers provided, promoting dignity, hygiene, and equality in schools (SDG 5: Gender Equality, SDG 6: Clean Water & Sanitation).
• Over 300 young farmers trained and equipped with bullock ploughs, irrigation systems, and sustainable farming skills (SDG 2: Zero Hunger, SDG 8: Decent Work & Economic Growth).
• About 20 grain banks constructed, and dams rehabilitated, improving food security and climate resilience (SDG 13: Climate Action). 

Youth at the Heart of Change 

At the core of ActionAid Ghana’s mission is the belief that youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are the changemakers of today. Through initiatives like the Young Urban Women Movement, Activista Ghana, and Young Female Platforms, thousands of young activists have been empowered with leadership skills, advocacy tools, and movement-building experience, advancing SDG 16 (Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). 

These youth-led groups are: 

• Driving climate justice campaigns across rural and urban areas (SDG 13).
• Advocating for gender-responsive public services in district assemblies (SDG 5).
• Holding leaders accountable for the implementation of the SDGs at local and national levels (SDG 16 & 17). 

A Proven Model for Social Justice

For 35 years, ActionAid Ghana’s model has been rooted in partnership. Communities are not treated as passive beneficiaries but as active partners in change. This approach has challenged harmful social norms, amplified marginalized voices, and influenced policy shifts for gender equality and social justice.

A Call to the Government of Ghana

As we International Youth Day,  we urge the Government of Ghana to match the energy and commitment of its youth by: 

• Expanding investment in gender-responsive public services to ensure quality education, healthcare, and water systems are accessible to all (SDG 4, 5, 6).
• Creating targeted youth employment and entrepreneurship opportunities, particularly in agriculture and green industries (SDG 8).
• Scaling up climate resilience programs that integrate youth-led innovations (SDG 13).
• Strengthening civic space to ensure youth voices shape public policy and governance (SDG 16).
• Deepening collaboration with civil society to leverage their reach and expertise in achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (SDG 17). 

Looking Ahead

The challenges of inequality, climate change, and gender-based violence remain. However, Ghana has a generation of bold and visionary youth ready to lead the charge. With the right political will, resources, and partnerships, we can accelerate progress toward a fairer and more just society. 

"Young people are not just the future; they are the changemakers of today. At ActionAid Ghana, we are proud to stand alongside youth activists, equipping them with the skills, networks, and platforms to lead bold movements for gender equality and social justice." ~ John Nkaw, Country Director, ActionAid Ghana 

As a social justice organization, ActionAid Ghana is committed to strengthening partnerships with youth agencies both within and outside of Ghana.