James Kumbeni, a 28-year-old Ghanaian cyclist, is on a mission to promote cycling as a sustainable means of transport to combat the severe weather conditions in Ghana.
In a remarkable journey, Kumbeni cycled from Bolgatanga in the Upper East Region through Accra, Bono Region, Northern Region, and is now touring the Upper West Region.
Kumbeni’s journey in the Upper West Region has seen him tour Nandom Municipality, Jirapa, Nadowli-Kaleo, Wa, and Wechiau, Tumu and more covering thousands of kilometers. He also visited some tourist sites in the region including the Wa Naa’s palace, Jirapa Dubai,
His aim? To highlight the role of cycling in reducing air pollution and mitigating climate change.
“Climate change has caught up with us, and action must be taken,” says Kumbeni. “The extreme hot weather Ghana is experiencing is serious, and I believe cycling can help curb the issue. When we ride more, we reduce air pollution.”
Kumbeni emphasizes the benefits of cycling for both health and the environment, particularly in areas like Accra, where the air quality index was deemed “unhealthy” in February, surpassing cities like Delhi and Beijing. His journey underscores the importance of cycling as a viable and eco-friendly transport solution in Ghana.
Kumbeni’s journey began in the northern parts of Ghana, where bicycles and motorcycles are the main modes of transport. His interest in climate change grew in 2021 after reading various articles on the subject. He started advising his community against littering and speaking on radio shows in Bolgatanga about climate issues.
Kumbeni’s journey is self-funded, and he assembled a team including a nurse, a driver, and three media personnel. Despite the financial challenges, the team improvised to make the expedition a reality. They received overwhelming support from their community and well-wishers who followed their journey on Facebook.
“At certain stops, we were offered free accommodation and food by kind individuals,” Kumbeni recalls. “A watermelon trader even gave us free melons as a way of spurring us on.”
The journey is not just about cycling but about educating communities on the importance of clean air and the impact of climate change. Kumbeni and his team stopped in various communities to share their message, which was warmly received by locals familiar with the region’s heat waves.
