Young public servants and the SDGs: Turning global goals into Ghanaian realities
As the world commemorates the 2025 International Youth Day under the theme “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond”, young public servants across Ghana are rising to the occasion with renewed passion and innovation. At the forefront of this movement are the youth members of the Public Services Workers Union (PSWU), determined to translate the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into practical, community-driven realities under the guiding slogan: “From Policy to Practice.” The localisation of the SDGs is not merely a policy ambition; it is a necessity. It requires intentional efforts by individuals, local communities, and public institutions to bridge the gap between international commitments and the lived experiences of Ghanaians. The PSWU youth in the Greater Accra Region are spearheading initiatives that align their daily duties with the global development agenda, making the SDGs both relatable and achievable at the grassroots level.
Aligning Public Service
with SDG Targets
The SDGs offer a robust framework for fostering equity, sustainability, and inclusion. As young professionals in sectors such as education, health, civic engagement, and tourism, we are actively seeking training and mentorship to integrate SDG targets into our day-to-day work. A health worker can champion SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being by initiating local wellness campaigns in partnership with the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), focusing on preventive health and community sensitisation. SDG 4: Quality Education by designing inclusive learning materials that nurture students’ creativity and awareness on issues like climate change using locally available resources.
Fostering Gender
Equality (SDG 5)
PSWU youth are advocating for regular mentorship platforms for young women in public service and celebrating stories of women who excel in leadership roles. Our objective is to promote inclusion and empower more women to take up leadership in public institutions and local government structures.
Decent Work and
Economic Growth
(SDG 8)
The youth are calling for fair wages devoid of discrimination and other benefits such as pensions, medical facilities, paid sick leave, and vacations. Also, good working conditions in a safe environment are critical for the holistic well-being of the youth, which will aid productivity. We are also advocating for, career coaching workshops to prepare young public servants for leadership roles. The formation of SDG-focused committees within institutions to track progress and inspire innovation.
Championing Climate
Action in the Work
place (SDG 13)
The youth wing of PSWU is also leading the charge in promoting green practices within public institutions. Some of our initiatives include: Establishing “Green Teams” in workplaces to lead sustainability efforts. Introducing “Bring Your Mug/Bag” campaigns to reduce single-use plastics by encouraging staff to adopt reusable cups, bottles, and cutlery. Promoting energy efficiency through reminders to turn off unused lights, air conditioners, and devices. Digitising documents such as memos, reports, and minutes to reduce paper use.
Advocating for Effective Waste Management; Waste separation and recycling are gaining momentum in our offices. Youth officers are setting up: Clearly labelled bins for plastics, paper, and organic waste. Monthly or quarterly clean-up exercises are tied to broader environmental objectives and partnerships with local recyclers to ensure sustainable waste disposal.
Civic Education and Governance Awareness; In collaboration with the NCCE, youth officers are facilitating civic forums to explain the SDGs in simple, accessible language. Civic education is being utilised not only as an information tool but also as a platform for youth engagement in democracy, rights and responsibilities, anti-corruption, peaceful coexistence, and community development. Through active participation in NCCE’s flagship programmes, the youth are becoming architects of sustainable change.
Institutionalising Our
Efforts as PSWU Youth
SDG Ambassadors
To ensure sustainability and monitoring of these actions, we propose:
• The creation of PSWU SDG Youth Ambassadors in each local and district branch.
• Ambassadors will provide monthly progress briefs, participate in public dialogues, and document community impact stories.
• Branches will be encouraged to adopt at least two SDGs annually and create action plans with measurable targets.
• We also promote the development of internal newsletters and notice boards that spotlight a different SDG each month, deepening awareness and commitment across institutions.
• Review of the Labour Act 2003, Act (651) to meet the pertinent needs of the youth.
As we mark the 2025 International Youth Day, which falls on August 12, 2025, as young public servants, we are not waiting on the sidelines. We are taking ownership of the SDGs and linking them directly to our responsibilities, transforming policy into practice. We call on all stakeholders, ministries, development partners, civil society, and the media to support this movement through collaboration, visibility, and technical assistance. Let us empower youth not just to dream of a better Ghana but to build it.
The writer is NCCE/PSWU of TUC (Ghana) – Greater Accra Regional Youth Chair
Email: asieduwapat@gmail. com
BY PATIENCE ASIEDUWA ADU
