GAYO: Ghanaian NGO Wins £1 Million Earthshot Prize For Clean Air

• The Green Africa Youth Organization (GAYO), a Ghanaian nonprofit won the "Clean Our Air" category at the Earthshot Prize Awards in Cape Town
• Co-founder Desmond Alugnoa shared his story, detailing his return from Germany to support GAYO while many at the time thought he was making the wrong decision
• He dedicated the award to youth in Africa and across the world, acknowledging the contributions of Prince William, the Earthshot team, and local partners

Ghanaian nonprofit Green Africa Youth Organization (GAYO) has been named winner at the Earthshot Prize Awards held in Cape Town, South Africa.

GAYO won in the "Clean Our Air" category, where the organisation's efforts in fighting waste pollution within Africa were recognised. The organisation will receive £1,000,000 to enhance its work after satisfying judges of its outstanding work.

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When the event host mentioned GAYO as category winners, Desmond Alugnoa the co-founder, flanked by a colleague, approached the podium to receive their award. They were both wearing fugu and trousers which reflected and is a hallmark of the vibrant culture in Northern Ghana.

In his acceptance speech, Desmond shared his journey including his relocation story back to Africa and what people initially thought of his ideas he believed had the potential to transform the globe.

"About five years ago, GAYO was progressing, but very slowly. I had to make the tough decision to return from Germany, and a lot of people thought that was a crazy idea. But we believe that the best solutions, the best minds, are normally the ones who are closer to the problem."

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He thanked Prince William, the Earthshot Prize team, the waste collectors, and local leaders for their different roles in the GAYO story.

The Earthshot Prize was launched by Prince William in 2020 to identify innovative solutions to global environmental problems.

Alugnoa dedicated the award to the younger generation stating;

"This is to the youth of Africa and the youth around the world."

GAYO was founded in 2014 and is committed to promoting sustainable living. The organisation works directly with communities to reduce the vulnerabilities the negative effects of climate change expose children, youth, and women to.

Watch the video below:

Netizens congratulate GAYO

YEN.com.gh collated some reactions to the video shared by Wode Maya. Read them below:

@SIKAENA1 said:

"Wow a millionaire overnight Brief us on the competition what’s about."

@aloetteafrica wrote:

"That's beautiful. A win for Ghana 🇬🇭 👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿."

@jayhanssss said:

"Congrats to him. A life changing money."

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@py_yamoah wrote:

"The their outfit is more Ghanaian. Congratulations Gayo."

@profdublyn_zee said:

"Congratulations GAYO. You made it 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾"

Kudus wins 2024 Footballer of the Year

In another story, YEN.com.gh reported that Mohammed Kudus was named the Footballer of the Year for the second consecutive time at the 2024 Ghana Football Awards.

The 23-year-old who plays for West Ham United in the United Kingdom won the award beating Abdul Fatawu Issahaku (Leicester), Osman Bukarai (Austin FC-MLS), and Iñaki Williams (Athletic Bilbao).

Many congratulated him for the win and said he deserved it.

Proofread by Samuel Gitonga, Copy Editor at YEN.com.gh

Source: YEN.com.gh