Prince William announced Green Africa Youth Organization (GAYO) as one of five winners for the 2024 Earthshot Prize in Cape Town, South Africa today. The prestigious global environmental award champions innovators focused on solving global climate challenges.
GAYO’s zero-waste model in Ghana won the ‘Clean our air’ category and was awarded £1 million to scale their game-changing environmental solution. Following a rigorous selection process, the organisation was chosen out of nearly 2,500 nominees from 75 countries.
As well as £1 million, GAYO will 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 accelerate innovative solutions.
We are incredibly honored to be winning the Prize, which is a testament to the power of community-driven solutions and the importance of empowering those most affected by climate challenges. Our work in Ghana demonstrates that sustainable waste management isn’t just a possibility—it’s a necessity. The recognition by The Earthshot Prize fuels our commitment to replicating these models across Africa, proving that local solutions can have global impacts.
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.
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
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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 goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and particulate matter pollution in Ghana by 70%, compared to open burning, as well as divert a total of 4,000 tonnes of waste by 2030.
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
