Exploring the Perspectives of Ghanaian Youth on the Sustainable Development Goals: Awareness, Attitudes, and Practice

Alex Danso and Erica Owusuaa
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Alex Danso: PNAJ Research and Business Consult
Erica Owusuaa: Department of Political Science, University of Education, Winneba

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 2024, vol. 8, issue 10, 2573-2590

Abstract: The United Nations recognizes the youths of today as essential stakeholders and vehicles through which the SDGs can be achieved. This is because the young people of today are going to be the leaders, innovators, and change-makers of tomorrow. The knowledge and practice of the youth towards the SDGs is thus essential if we can achieve the SDGs. This study therefore examined the perspective of the youths in Ghana concerning the SDGs. Quantitative and explanatory research approaches were employed to gather and analyze data. The study administered a questionnaire through an online survey to 384 youths in the Ashanti region of Ghana. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data with the aid of SPSS. The study found that there is a statistically significant relationship among awareness, attitude, and practices of the youths related to sustainable development. While there was a generally high level of awareness and a positive attitude, turning these into consistent sustainable practices remains an uphill task. The results show that Ghanaian youths have a positive attitude towards the SDGs, but in real life, convenience, cost, and lifestyle hinder them from fully acting on sustainability. The study therefore recommends that the government and other stakeholders implement robust educational campaigns that not only raise awareness but also instill in the youth the importance of making life changes and adopting sustainable behaviors. The government should provide incentives and subsidies to encourage businesses to produce green products which can make sustainable choices more convenient and accessible to the youths in Ghana. The government should also ensure strict environmental regulations. These measures can help in bridging the gap between knowledge and practice, ultimately fostering an environmentally conscious and sustainable society.

Date: 2024
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