Today during New York Climate Week, Prince William announced Green Africa Youth Organization (GAYO) as one of the 15 Finalists for the 2024 Earthshot Prize. The prestigious global environmental award champions innovators focused on solving global climate challenges.
GAYO is one of three finalists in the ‘Clean our air’ category for its zero-waste model in Ghana. The organisation was selected out of nearly 2,500 nominees from 75 countries.
All finalists receive mentorship, resources and technical support from The Earthshot Prize’s year-long fellowship programme. They also get access to a global network of businesses, donors, investors and environmental organisations committed to helping scale innovative solutions. Each finalist is in the running to receive £1 million, awarded at the fourth-annual Earthshot Prize awards ceremony in Cape Town later this year.
The concept of the Zero Waste Cities programme is designed as an inclusive climate solution that transforms individuals’ behaviour to observe environmental justice principles. It is a testament to how collaboration with communities and local government can create a world free from toxins.
Desmond Alugnoa, Co-founder of GAYO and Initiator of the Zero Waste Cities Programme
Air pollution is the second biggest threat to health in Ghana and causes 28,000 premature deaths a year. Waste burning is one of the main sources of air pollution in Ghana, while decomposing organic waste in landfills is a major source of methane.
GAYO’s Zero Waste Accra project prevents waste from ending up in landfills by removing organic, plastic and electronic waste that would otherwise pollute the environment. This prevention curbs methane production, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, prevents water contamination and stops microplastics from leaking into the environment. Crucially, waste is diverted from being openly burned.
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waste pickers and informal workers supported by Accra’s waste management infrastructure
Informal workers play a significant role in African economies, but are often excluded from formal employment. By integrating waste pickers and informal sector waste collectors into Accra’s waste management architecture, the project ensures formalised waste companies are not in competition with the informal sector. At the same time, residents who don’t have access to formal waste collection services are given a cost-effective way to dispose their waste.
GAYO’s Zero Waste model is making a huge impact on cleaning our air and supporting communities. This innovative solution has huge potential for Africa’s air pollution crisis, as the model could be replicated across other cities on the continent.
Desmond Appiah, Country Lead for Ghana, Clean Air Fund
GAYO’s Zero Waste project is supported by Clean Air Fund, the UMI Fund and Global Methane Hub. Their plan to scale would reduce air pollution by 70% and make them the leading model for waste management on the continent.
GAYO’s Zero Waste model is making a huge impact on cleaning our air and supporting communities. This innovative solution has huge potential for Africa’s air pollution crisis, as the model could be replicated across other cities on the continent.Desmond Appiah, Country Lead for Ghana, Clean Air Fund
