Christopher Makam, a Ghanaian climate activist, has successfully completed a 60-day motorcycle tour of West Africa aimed at raising awareness about climate change and environmental degradation.
Setting off from the Volta Region on January 14, 2024, Makam embarked on his solo journey aboard a Honda TransAlp motorbike. Despite only covering three out of the 16 countries in West Africa, Makam considers the trip a success.
During his tour, Makam visited various locations, including forest reserves, water bodies, mining sites, and scientific research facilities across Ghana and neighbouring countries. He observed firsthand the devastating impact of bushfires, illegal mining activities, and deforestation on the environment.
Makam highlighted key observations from his journey, noting the prevalence of bushfires in Ghana compared to neighbouring countries like Cote d'Ivoire and Burkina Faso. He also emphasized the need for urgent action to address poverty-driven factors contributing to environmental degradation, such as game hunting and charcoal production.
Additionally, Makam reported on climate-related projects in Northern Ghana, including the construction of dams for agricultural activities. He also experienced extreme weather conditions, with temperatures ranging from 14 to 52 degrees Celsius in different regions of Ghana.
Reflecting on his journey, Makam stressed the importance of climate change awareness and positive action. He expressed his intention to undertake another tour in the future, aiming to extend his reach and collaborate with stakeholders on tree-planting initiatives and other climate-related projects.
Makam emphasized the need for sponsorship to support future endeavours, including the acquisition of necessary equipment such as cameras and monitoring devices. He remains committed to promoting environmental conservation and climate resilience in Ghana and beyond.
