Ghana’s Green Africa Youth Organisation Wins £1 Million Earthshot Prize for Climate Action

Green Africa Youth Organisation (GAYO), a Ghanaian non-profit focused on climate resilience, has been awarded Prince William’s prestigious £1 million Earthshot Prize for their innovative work in environmental sustainability and youth-led climate action.

Why it matters

The Earthshot Prize, created to inspire and scale solutions for the planet’s most pressing environmental challenges, recognizes initiatives that can create tangible impact within this decade.

GAYO’s work in community-driven waste management, circular economy initiatives, and sustainable agriculture practices is helping address climate issues at a grassroots level across Ghana and beyond.

By the numbers

• £1 million prize awarded to scale their impact.
• 10,000+ young people engaged in climate education and advocacy.
• Projects across 5 countries in Africa, with plans to expand further.

What they’re saying

• Prince William, Founder of the Earthshot Prize: “GAYO’s work embodies the spirit of the Earthshot Prize, driving real-world impact and empowering communities to take action against climate change.”
• Joshua Amponsem, Founder of GAYO: “This award allows us to deepen our impact, equip more communities with sustainable solutions, and bring the youth to the forefront of climate action across Africa.”

The big picture

With climate risks disproportionately affecting African communities, GAYO’s efforts focus on building resilience through education and sustainable practices, particularly among the youth. The organization has launched successful waste recycling initiatives, set up community farms, and led workshops to empower local leaders with skills in sustainable living.

What’s next

The Earthshot funds will support GAYO’s plans to scale their waste management programs, expand training for climate resilience, and deepen their reach in rural areas. They’re also looking to build partnerships across Africa to amplify their model and foster regional collaboration in the fight against climate change.