The President of Ghana – His Excellency Nana Akufo Addo, has met with climate and sustainability advocate Ismachiah Oduwole, the 14 year old US teenager who began an unusual journey in December 2022 during the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, to sign his project football. The president made an open pledge to reduce Ghana’s green house emissions by 15% before the year 2030.
Having met with the CEOs of some of the world’s biggest companies including Marriott Hotels, Ethiopian Airlines, FedEx, MGM Grand, Hawaii Airlines, and Princess Cruise to recognize their sustainability initiatives, Ismachiah turned his attention to the leaders of countries – Presidents and Prime Ministers, representing various continental regions.
“I just wanted to show people that anyone at any age can do something small to affect their community, and maybe even the world”, he said on Ghana’s TV3 interview after the ball signing.
Other leaders who have been invited and then signed his climate and sustainability ball include Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka of Fiji – representing the Pacific region, President Irfaan Ali of Guyana representing South America, and President Wavel Ramkalawan of Seychelles, representing the Indian Ocean region.
Last December 2023 in Dubai, the President of COP 28 – Dr Sultan Al Jaber, the Executive Secretary of UN Climate – Simon Stiell, and the US President’s Special Envoy on Climate – The Rt Hon John Kerry, all signed Ismachiah’s project ball, with specific ledges.
While in Qatar, fans, football officials, a premier league player, and many others representing 28 countries including Brazil, England, Morocco, Canada, South Korea, Columbia, Tunisia, and many more all signed the ball during the World Cup with pledges and a call to action.
