The award, worth 7000 Ghanian Cedis, amounts to one full year’s tuition at the College for each winning submission.
(Canada and Accra, Ghana, 17th April, 2025) — The Future Communicators Foundation (FCF) is proud to announce six winners of the 2024 Future Communicators Foundation Climate Scholarship in the School of Communication Studies (SCS) at Wisconsin International University College, Ghana (WIUC-GH). The FCF Climate Scholarship fosters student research into communicating local solutions and awareness around sustainability and climate justice. The winning students are Isaac Korankye for the Eco-Exchange Hub; Ines Akpah for Accra’s Fresh Air Future; Shine Kwawukumey and Mohammed Abdullah for Flood-Free Zone: Tackling Urban Flooding, and Nathaniel Archer and Wilkings Avonor for Greener Ghana.
The award, worth 7000 Ghanaian Cedis, amounts to one full year’s tuition at the College for each winning submission. Award funding is provided by Allard and Valerie van Veen, the Founders of the Future Communicators Foundation. The Scholarship is further supported by the FCF’s agency partner in Accra, Mahogany Consult. The winning students also receive mentorships with Managing Partner Baaba Cofie, who serves as a member of the Advisory Council with the FCF.
“Communicating the Climate Crisis: Motivating and Measuring Behavioural Change”
This year’s FCF Climate Scholarship required students to craft a campaign brief addressing climate challenges that face the citizens of Ghana. Potential topics included recycling and sustainability initiatives; the role of Accra in global plastics and electronics recycling; and sustainability measures for key resources, such as water and forests. Students were asked how a campaign might use low-cost communication resources to motivate, and measure, one key behavioural change.
The six students brought diverse approaches to motivating community change in complex urban and rural environments. Mohammed Abdullah and Shine Esi Kwawukumey’s Flood-Free Zone: Tackling Urban Flooding pinpoints how urban flooding in Accra worsens due to plastic waste clogging drains, with their campaign turning to music and the arts to prompt community action. Isaac Korankye identifies how only 5% of plastics are currently being recycled in Ghana. At his proposed Eco-Exchange Hub, residents exchange recyclables for essentials like food and airtime, creating a circular recycling economy. Ines Akpah aims to reduce air pollution by addressing open waste burning, advocating for cleaner transportation in her Accra’s Fresh Air Future campaign. And Nathaniel Archer and Willkings Avonor call for a Greener Ghana, addressing what they call the “roots of change” by tackling the complex issue of galamsey, or small-scale gold mining in Ghana, that results in deforestation and environmental pollution.
Flood-Free Zone: Tackling Urban Flooding
“Winning this award for the ‘Flood-Free Zone’ initiative is a testament to the transformative power of collective action,” says Mohammed Abdullah, popularly known as Undisputed Meddy. “It represents the determination of communities united to combat urban flooding in Accra through education, creativity, and shared responsibility. Together, we’re proving that cleaner, safer neighborhoods are not just a dream but an achievable reality.” Mohammed, popularly known as Undisputed Meddy, is a passionate philanthropist and environmental advocate, dedicated to creating a safer, more comfortable world while giving back to humanity. He uses his skills and compassion to inspire and uplift, leaving a meaningful impact on his community and beyond.
“I am deeply honored to receive the 2024 Future Communicators Foundation Scholarship,” says Shine Esi Kwawukumey. “This award reaffirms my passion for driving social impact through strategic communication. Working on the ‘Flood Free Zone’ initiative for Accra has deepened my understanding of the urgent need for sustainable climate resilience and the power of effective communication in driving community action. The FCF Scholarship reinforces my commitment to becoming a transformative force in environmental advocacy and public relations.”
Shine is the founder of Tulips of Herald, a storytelling platform that reflects her resilience, ambition, and determination to excel against all odds. Shine is also the creator of Tulips Tales, a podcast channel that brings Ghanaian folklore and universal values to life through short, engaging tales for children and adults alike.
Eco-Exchange Hub: Transform Waste into Community Rewards
“I am honored to be selected as a recipient of the 2024 Future Communicators Foundation Scholarship,” says Isaac Korankye. “This award motivates me to continue using communication to drive sustainability and create meaningful change in our communities. I am grateful for this opportunity to further my education and contribute to impactful initiatives.”
Isaac is passionate about using communication to address societal challenges and create meaningful change. Isaac is particularly interested in sustainability and using innovative communication strategies to connect communities with practical solutions. His academic journey reflects a strong commitment to advancing impactful initiatives for the betterment of society.
Accra’s Fresh Air Future: Small Actions, Big Impacts
“I am honored to receive the Future Communicators Foundation Scholarship,” says Ines Akpah. “This recognition motivates me to continue championing causes like cleaner air for Accra. Communication has the power to inspire change, and I am committed to using it to create a healthier, more sustainable future for our city and beyond.”
Ines is passionate about using communication to drive social change, focusing on sustainability, environmental advocacy, and public health awareness. She aspires to create impactful campaigns that foster behavioral change and community engagement.
Greener Ghana — Roots of Change
“We are deeply honored to receive the 2024 Future Communicators Foundation Scholarship,” say Nathaniel Archer and Wilkings Avonor.
“This award not only acknowledges our efforts in addressing the pressing issue of Galamsey and also inspires us to continue our work towards other projects. We are grateful for this opportunity and the support from WIUC and the Future Communicators Foundation,” they say.
Nathaniel Archer is passionate about fitness, personal development, entrepreneurship, music, and communication. Balancing a rigorous academic schedule with his diverse interests, he is dedicated to personal and professional growth, embracing challenges and viewing mistakes as opportunities to improve. Recently, he worked on a campaign addressing deforestation and illegal mining, demonstrating his commitment to community-driven initiatives and environmental sustainability.
Wilkings Avonor, professionally known as Willy With D’juice, is driven to amplify his voice as an artist, performer, and writer. He’s had the privilege of working as an intern researcher and video journalist on impactful projects, including a German TV documentary on Rita Lamptey’s inspiring story, as well as mental health and climate crisis awareness campaigns. He recently released his debut album, Since You Only Live Once, a 6-track project blending Afrobeats, Afrofusion, and other influences, with the lead single “Onipa” promoting unity and self-building.
Congratulations from University and Sponsors
“Congratulations to the six students on winning the 2024 Future Communicators Foundation Climate Scholarship!”, said Millicent Akunor, Communications Manager at Mahogany Consult, commending their dedication to using strategic communication for climate action. “At Mahogany Consult, we are proud to support this initiative and consider it a privilege to mentor and guide these exceptional students. Their success underlines the vital collaboration among academia, industry, and educational foundations like the Future Communicators Foundation in shaping the next generation of changemakers. We look forward to welcoming them for their mentorship session and wish them the very best as they continue driving meaningful impact in their communities and beyond,” she said.
Professor Kwame Karikari, faculty member at Wisconsin International University College, Ghana (WIUC-GH), commended the students for their hard work and for receiving the Future Communicators Foundation Scholarship. “The faculty of SCS is proud of our students!,” said Professor Kwame Karikari. “Their remarkable efforts exemplify the passion and drive we encourage and nurture throughout their educational journey with us. We take great pride in their accomplishments and trust that they will continue to drive issues of sustainability,” he said.
“Congratulations to the next generation of future communicators in Ghana, as they take on the global challenges of sustainability and climate affecting all societies,” said Allard W. van Veen, Founder of The PR Trust and Future Communicators Foundation. “By providing financial support for education along with industry mentorship, the FCF is able to assist young professionals as they make choices for their future career that include benefiting the environment and encouraging social justice,” he added.
