Children Spotlight of the Month: Nakeeyat Dramani Sam — Ghana’s Young Voice for the Planet
At just 13 years old, Nakeeyat Dramani Sam has become one of the most powerful youth voices in the global fight against climate change. Born on July 29, 2012, in Ajumako, Ghana, Nakeeyat is a poet, environmental advocate, and the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF) Thematic Ambassador for Youth. She is celebrated for her ability to blend art, advocacy, and a deep sense of responsibility toward the planet’s future.
Nakeeyat first captured national attention when she won the 10th season of Talented Kidz Ghana with her moving poetry recitals in Hausa, Fanti, and English. But her fame quickly grew beyond entertainment, she began using her talent and platform to campaign for environmental protection, climate education, and the rights of vulnerable communities affected by climate change.
Her advocacy reached the global stage at COP27 in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, where she addressed hundreds of world leaders and delegates. Representing 1.5 billion people in 58 CVF countries, she delivered a heartfelt plea for urgent climate action, using the now-iconic phrase: “Payment Overdue.” She called on wealthier nations, the largest contributors to climate change to take responsibility for the damage their actions have caused to vulnerable nations like Ghana.
Speaking about recent floods in Ghana that destroyed homes and displaced families, Nakeeyat urged leaders to keep global warming below 1.5°C and to create funds to help communities suffering the worst effects of climate disasters. With a mix of innocence and boldness, she challenged policymakers, saying:
“If all of you were to be young people like me, would you not already have done what is needed to save our planet?”
Beyond her speeches, Nakeeyat has taken hands-on action. She authored the children’s book Trees for Life to teach young people about environmental stewardship and launched the One Child, One Tree initiative, planting over 100 trees herself and encouraging other children to do the same.
Her leadership has earned her recognition as a Global Young Peace Ambassador, and she continues to inspire both children and adults worldwide with her message: climate action cannot wait.
Nakeeyat Dramani Sam’s story reminds us that children are not just future leaders, they are leaders today, capable of moving hearts and influencing change at the highest levels.
