Perceptions and enablers of sustainable development: a comparative study of Ghanaian university students’ engagement with the SDGs

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set forth by the United Nations represent a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that all people, enjoy peace and prosperity by 2030. The SDGs have been criticized as aspirational and over-ambitious, and recent assessments suggest many of the goals may not be met by 2030. This study investigates the perceptions of Ghanaian university students regarding the attainability of the SDGs and identifies the educational and informational enablers that enhance their engagement with these goals. A total of 400 students drawn from three universities — University of Ghana (n = 200), Central University (n = 100), and University for Development Studies (n = 100) — participated in a structured questionnaire survey. The findings reveal a dual perspective among students: there is significant optimism about achieving SDGs related to quality education, gender equality, and clean water, whereas skepticism prevails regarding the goals aimed at eradicating poverty and achieving zero hunger. The study also highlights the critical role of universities as facilitators in the discourse and actions toward the SDGs. It emphasizes the potential of leveraging digital and social media to boost student engagement and calls for an integration of SDG-focused studies into university curricula. The study provides insights into the need for enhanced educational strategies and inter-institutional collaborations to prepare students effectively for their roles in global sustainability efforts. It is vital for higher education institutions in Sub-Saharan Africa, where sustainability challenges are significant and innovative solutions are often lacking, to embed SDG-focused studies into their curricula and promote student engagement in SDG initiatives.