Green Africa Youth Organisation (GAYO), a finalist for the 2024 Earthshot Prize, is focused on promoting sustainable waste management practices through its innovative Zero Waste Model.
Founded in 2014 by Joshoua Amponsem and Desmond Alugnoa, two Ghanaians, GAYO aims to address the waste management challenges posed by rapid urbanization. Their goal is to find effective ways to dispose of organic waste and recycle materials like plastic to reduce the negative impact of landfills and waste incineration on air pollution.
The Zero Waste Model developed by GAYO emphasizes establishing infrastructure to support circular waste management, creating job opportunities in the process. They collaborate with local authorities, waste management resources, and communities in Ghana to implement their Zero Waste approach.
Central to GAYO’s mission is job creation and income generation, achieved through training waste collectors, waste pickers, and community members to manage waste effectively and turn it into a source of income. They sell compost and charcoal briquettes made from the waste materials collected.
Some key achievements of GAYO include creating 70 jobs in the last 5 years, benefiting 5000 individuals directly or indirectly, and diverting 170 tonnes of waste, including 104 tonnes of organic waste and 66 tonnes of plastic, from landfills since 2023.
Looking ahead, GAYO plans to expand its operations across Africa, aiming to grow from 150 to 500 employees by 2030 and extend its reach to countries like Kenya, Senegal, South Africa, and Nigeria.
With a focus on reducing Green House Gas emissions and particle pollution by up to 70% in Ghana compared to open burning, GAYO aims to divert 50 tonnes of waste per month and a total of 4,000 tonnes by 2030.
Through their highly replicable Zero Waste Model, GAYO envisions becoming a leading climate change solution for waste management in Africa as they scale up their operations.
GAYO is among the finalists for The Earthshot Prize, with the opportunity to receive one of the five £1 million prizes. The award ceremony will take place in Cape Town and be broadcast by MultiChoice to millions of viewers across Africa.
As a finalist, GAYO will benefit from the Earthshot Prize Fellowship Programme, offering mentorship, resources, and technical support to accelerate the growth of their Zero Waste Model and access to a network of influential businesses and climate experts.
MultiChoice, the official broadcast partner for The Earthshot Prize in Africa, showcases the finalists’ profiles on its platforms and channels to promote environmental awareness and sustainable development.