Executive Summary
The Global Water Dances (GWD) Community Celebration was conducted on May 31, 2025, at Lavender Hill, Accra, under the theme Nuji Wala. Organized by the Street Children Empowerment Foundation (SCEF) in partnership with Dzen Nako, Nurture Nature Foundation, and other collaborators, the event focused on raising awareness of water-related environmental issues through a combination of practical, educational, and artistic activities. Key components included a community clean-up, an environmental workshop, and a culturally appropriate performance segment.
In addition to youth and community members, the event featured participation from key Civil Society Organizations (CSOs). Notable attendees included Mr. Kyei Yamoah and the Executive Director of Help Foundation Africa. These contributions reinforced the event’s focus on integrating local practices with broader sustainability goals.
The performances adhered to the Ga traditional ban on noise-making and were delivered in acoustic formats to reflect cultural sensitivity. Youth-led creative presentations conveyed key environmental themes through spoken word, dance, and drama.
The event successfully engaged diverse stakeholders and provided a replicable model for community-based environmental education and cultural programming.
Introduction
The event commenced at 7:00 AM with the arrival of participants. This phase involved welcoming guests, distributing safety materials, assigning clean-up teams, and conducting brief orientation and icebreaker activities. Organizers ensured adherence to safety protocols and assigned logistical personnel to manage crowd control and activity sequencing. In total, 83 participants were present to commemorate the event.
The event was structured to respect cultural practices of the Ga community, specifically the observance of the annual ban on noise-making. All audio activities were restricted to acoustic levels. No sound systems or amplified devices were used. The cultural framework informed the tone and content of the program, promoting structured engagement while maintaining cultural compliance.
Opening remarks were given by Ms. Genevieve, who acknowledged the presence of stakeholders and partners, outlined the day’s program. Paul Semeh, site manager for GWD Accra 2025 and the Executive Director of SCEF, introduced the event’s purpose — to promote sustainable water practices and community involvement through education and performance.
Community Clean-Up
The clean-up segment was conducted between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM. Participants were divided into teams, each responsible for designated sections of the Lavender Hill shoreline and adjacent areas. Cleaning equipment, including gloves, waste collection bags, and basic tools, was distributed. Safety instructions were reiterated before the activity.
The clean-up aimed to address visible environmental degradation and encourage collective responsibility for sanitation. Volunteers collected waste materials such as plastics, packaging debris, and organic litter. Supervisors monitored the process and ensured proper waste collection and temporary storage for later disposal.
In total, the clean-up covered approximately 300 meters of coastline and surrounding pathways. Post-activity assessment noted improved cleanliness in targeted zones. This segment also served as a practical model for community-led environmental sanitation efforts.
Connect with the Sea
Following the clean-up, a workshop facilitated by Mr. Peter Asiedu from the Nurture Nature Foundation addressed topics on water conservation and sustainability. The session included a group discussion format, encouraging participants to consider practical actions and community-level strategies for preserving water resources. Participants included youth representatives, educators, and community leaders.
Address from Paul (SCEF Representative)
Paul, representing the Street Children Empowerment Foundation (SCEF), delivered a brief address outlining the motivation behind the event and the importance of linking youth advocacy with environmental awareness. He emphasized the role of local communities in driving sustainable practices, particularly in areas directly affected by water pollution and poor sanitation.
He noted that the theme “Nuji Wala,” meaning “water is life,” was chosen to emphasize both the urgency and the opportunity presented by water issues in Accra’s coastal communities. He also highlighted the importance of integrating cultural observances, such as the Ga tradition of silence during specific periods, into programming to promote local relevance and respect.
Paul concluded by encouraging attendees to see the event as a model for future youth-led environmental actions and thanked all partners, facilitators, and community members for their involvement.
Performance at the Shores
At 9:00 AM, the program transitioned to the Community Intimate Performance segment held along the shore. Youth groups, including Accra Dances Movement, Chale Vibz, and the Children’s Parliament, presented a series of curated artistic pieces. These included spoken word, interpretive dance, storytelling, and short dramatizations.
The performances focused on key themes such as water as a vital resource, environmental responsibility, and the impact of climate change and pollution on
coastal communities. Each group delivered content that aligned with the event’s theme and cultural guidelines, using non-amplified, acoustic methods in respect of the Ga traditional ban on noise-making.
The presentations aimed to communicate environmental messages through accessible, culturally relevant artistic formats. Audience members observed in silence, in line with the event protocol, creating a focused environment conducive to message retention and reflection. The segment served as a platform for youth to contribute meaningfully to the water sustainability dialogue using creative expression grounded in lived experience and local context.
Participation of Civil Society Organizations
In addition to community members and youth groups, the event was attended by representatives from key Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) working in environmental sustainability and community advocacy. Notably, Mr. Kyei Yamoah, a development practitioner and long-time environmental advocate, was present to observe and support the activities. He engaged in discussions around water policy and sustainable marine practices, reinforcing the importance of collaborative efforts in achieving environmental goals.
The Executive Director of Help Foundation Africa also participated in the event and contributed remarks during the gathering. He emphasized the ecological importance of the sea, describing it as a natural system that absorbs significant volumes of carbon emissions, which are otherwise harmful to the atmosphere. He stressed that the ocean’s ability to regulate environmental balance is a critical reason for communities and individuals to adopt practices that protect marine environments. His remarks supported the event’s goal of promoting responsible water and coastal stewardship among local populations.
The inclusion of these organizations provided added depth to the event’s messaging and broadened the engagement of environmental stakeholders beyond the immediate community. Their presence highlighted the importance of multi-sector collaboration in addressing the challenges associated with water pollution, climate change, and sustainable development.
Closing Remarks
The closing remarks were delivered by Solomon Abbey, an advocate for clean water. Representatives from SCEF, partnering organizations, and youth leaders provided summaries of the day’s outcomes. Key contributors, including volunteers and facilitators, were acknowledged.
The remarks reviewed the significance of combining environmental action, cultural observance, and artistic water movement. Stakeholders were encouraged to continue supporting initiatives related to water conservation and youth development.
Picture Taking
A photo session was conducted. Participants were grouped for documentation purposes. Photographs were taken by designated media personnel for reporting and archival use. Group shots included volunteers, performers, organizers, and guests.
Visual documentation was handled efficiently to respect time constraints and maintain order. After the photo session, light refreshments were provided, and participants were guided towards the exit points. Clean-up teams ensured the venue was left in appropriate condition post-event. You can find all the pictures here
Conclusion
The Global Water Dances Community Intimate Performance event successfully achieved its planned objectives. The three key components — environmental clean-up, community education, and cultural performance — were executed according to schedule and within the prescribed cultural framework.
Participant engagement was high across all segments. The use of acoustic performance methods ensured compliance with the noise ban while maintaining content delivery. The event demonstrated the effectiveness of integrating local tradition with environmental education and youth development in a public setting.