Environmental awareness perception of senior high school students in Ghana, the case of the Bolgatanga Municipality

Abstract

This research examines environmental awareness perception among senior high school students in Ghana using socio-demographic indicators and the Environmental Awareness and Active Participation Scale. The research topic hinges on the notion that the attainment of the environmental components of sustainable development depends largely on the youth who are the future generation, and the custodians of the earth. Data for the research were obtained through a quantitative approach. Survey questionnaires were distributed to the three senior high schools in the Bolgatanga Municipality. The findings of this research show a high score on the Environmental Awareness and Activive Participation scale. This is an indication of the high environmental awareness perception of students via the educational system and by the media. The results also show that the major socio-demographic factor that influences the environmental awareness perception in senior high school students is their mothers’ level of occupation. This finding has both theoretical and practical implications.