In a groundbreaking achievement, the Green Africa Youth Organization (GAYO) has been nominated as a finalist for the prestigious Earthshot Prize, marking the first time a youth group has reached this stage. Founded in 2014, GAYO is a youth-led nonprofit based in Accra, Ghana, dedicated to empowering young Africans to spearhead climate action and environmental conservation. Their innovative Zero Waste Model has earned them a spot in the Clean Our Air category, highlighting their commitment to improving air quality and addressing climate challenges in vulnerable communities across Africa.
Desmond Alugnoa, Co-Founder of GAYO, expressed the organization’s honor in being recognized among global changemakers, emphasizing the importance of youth-driven initiatives in creating a healthier, cleaner future. The Zero Waste Model, which has already created over 250 green jobs in Accra since 2022, aims to revolutionize waste management by promoting waste collection, sorting, recycling, and the production of green goods and services. This model not only addresses the pressing issue of air pollution but also opens up new employment opportunities in the waste management sector.
The Earthshot Prize, established by Prince William and the British Royal Foundation in 2020, seeks to spotlight and scale innovative solutions to the planet’s most pressing environmental challenges. GAYO’s nomination underscores the potential of grassroots efforts to inspire lasting environmental change on a global scale. As the Earthshot Prize Awards Ceremony approaches in Cape Town, South Africa, GAYO stands as a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of youth-led initiatives in safeguarding our planet.
For more information, contact comms@greenafricayouth.org or call +233 54 069 9164.
