The Central Regional Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and Executive Director of GLAHCO Holding Limited, Gabriel Nii Kommey Adams, has called for deliberate investment in girls’ education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) as a critical step towards building a sustainable and climate-resilient Africa. 

Speaking at the Environmental Education and Lifelong Learning Conference organised by the Pan African Centre for Climate Policy (PACCP) Ghana, Mr Adams stressed that Africa’s green transformation would only be achieved by empowering young women to become innovators, scientists, engineers and environmental leaders.

Delivering a speech on the theme, “Unlocking Africa’s Green Future: The Power of Girls in STEM, Environmental Stewardship and Social Innovation,” he said Africa’s environmental challenges should be viewed as opportunities for innovation rather than barriers to development.

He noted that although the continent is richly endowed with natural resources and youthful talent, it continues to grapple with climate change, illegal mining, deforestation, land degradation, pollution, biodiversity loss and unpredictable weather patterns.

According to him, these challenges demand innovative solutions, adding that girls must be equipped with the skills and opportunities to lead Africa’s transition to a green economy.

“Girls must not be invited only to witness Africa’s green transformation. They must be equipped to lead it,” he stated.

Mr Adams lamented the persistent gender stereotypes that discourage many girls from pursuing careers in STEM, saying such attitudes limit Africa’s capacity to solve pressing environmental problems.

He urged governments, educational institutions and the private sector to remove barriers preventing girls from accessing quality STEM education, mentorship and technological resources.

The NDC Central Regional Secretary also underscored the importance of environmental education, arguing that sustainable environmental protection begins with knowledge and lifelong learning rather than legislation alone.

He called for schools to become “living laboratories of sustainability” by incorporating practical activities such as tree planting, recycling, water conservation, climate-smart agriculture and renewable energy projects into their curricula.