ATI: THE GHANA-MADE GAME TEACHING SUSTAINABILITY THROUGH PLAY

A young Ghanaian innovator, Amanda Kporwofa, has developed Ghana’s first environmental board and mobile games to fight deforestation and illegal mining.

The games, known as ATi, use interactive storytelling and Ghanaian cultural elements to teach players about the dangers of galamsey, logging, and unsustainable farming, while rewarding eco-friendly actions such as tree planting and clean cooking.

“Players see themselves reflected in the game through local names like Atta, Nana, Dzifa, and Aidoo. It makes the experience personal and connects directly to the challenges our communities face,” Ms Kporwofa explained.

ATi began in 2024 as a class project but has grown into a national initiative under her non-profit, Eco Games Foundation. The board game is already being introduced in schools and communities, while a mobile version, featuring AI opponents and a global leaderboard, will be launched in November and rolled out on the Play Store by year-end.

Ms Kporwofa, a PhD student in Communication at the University of Cincinnati, says her inspiration came from witnessing the impact of galamsey and deforestation in Ghana, including heatwaves, polluted rivers, and land degradation.

The games align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and support Ghana’s own national tree-planting and environmental protection campaigns. Designed for ages six and above, ATi is expected to make sustainability education accessible in classrooms, homes, and communities across Ghana and beyond.