Green Africa Youth Organization (GAYO)

At GAYO, we believe that the greatest solutions emerge when knowledge meets action, and when diverse minds come together to shape the future. Yesterday, we had the privilege of hosting a team from Wilfrid Laurier University as part of our growing internship initiative; an opportunity that goes beyond academic exchange and into the heart of real-world #impact. From #ZeroWaste initiatives to #climate mitigation strategies, from student-led GAYO Eco-Club Campus Chapters (GECCC) to the Edu-Sustain Project, we shared stories of #resilience, #innovation, and environmental stewardship. This was more than just a presentation; it was a glimpse into the collective effort shaping sustainable solutions in #Africa and beyond. Among those who welcomed the team were our dedicated GAYO leaders: Nana Minta Asiedu Ampadu-Minta (Chief of Staff), Mabel Laryea (Project Coordinator), PATRICK ABBEYQUAYE (Programmes Officer), Vida Agyebeng Ayim (SRM Project Lead), Samuel Asante (Operations Manager), and Daniella Addo-Sackey (Executive Assistant). Our guests: Michael Boylan (Coordinator, Global Engagement Programming), Phyllis Power (Manager, Global Engagement Programming), and Prof. Robert Ame (Associate Professor, Human Rights and Criminology) brought not just expertise, but a shared vision for equipping young minds with the skills and experiences needed to drive meaningful change. In the coming months, we look forward to welcoming students from Wilfrid Laurier University into our internship program, where they will engage in hands-on learning, collaborative #research, and transformative experiences. This partnership reinforces a simple yet powerful truth: When we invest in young people, we invest in the future. 🌍 Together, we are shaping a world where #education fuels action, collaboration sparks change, and #sustainability becomes a way of life. #GAYOImpact #InternshipInnovation #SustainabilityInAction #FutureLeaders

How incredible it is to be at the Global Summit of #Collaborativefunds by Gates Foundation and Philanthropy Together in San Francisco, US and also speaking on scaling #youthleadership for innovative collaboration. One of the key messages I emphasized was challenging the #myths surrounding youth-led organizations and funds, the misconceptions that young people lack financial management skills, experience, or are too high-risk. In reality, youth-led movements have consistently demonstrated #resilience, #innovation, and #impact, often with minimal resources. At GAYO, we’ve seen firsthand how youth-led solutions drive long-term change. That’s why we established the #AfricaYouthClimateFund (AYCF), a mechanism designed to shift power and resources directly to young leaders advancing #climate solutions across the continent. We fund across three areas: #research, #movementbuilding and #Entrepreneurship and #innovation with an average grant size of 15,000 USD across sub Sahara Africa . The objective is to build true #leadership and #dignifiedeconomies for African youth. Green Africa Youth Organization (GAYO) Youth Climate Justice Fund , Youth Engagement Fund , FRIDA | The Young Feminist Fund , Alyssa Obrand, Yinka N. Bode-George , Laila Alodaat , Moky Makura , Mama Cash Joshua Amponsem , DESMOND Alugnoa , Nathan Méténier

📣 Accra Youth: Your City Needs You! 📣 Are you ready to transform #Accra into a healthier, more #sustainable city? We're collaborating with UrbanBetter Accra Cityzens Hub to host a dynamic youth convening designed to empower (you)th! We believe young people are crucial to shaping the future of our cities. This convening will provide a platform for you to: - Engage in creative envisioning sessions. - Participate in invigorating physical activities. - Collaborate and network through focused discussions on sustainable urban development. Join us on March 15 for a day of fun, #network, and impactful action! 👉 Apply today: rb.gy/pmjqr5 #CleanAirAccra #YouthEngagement #CityzensMovement #Cityzens4CleanAir #YouthLeadership #Youthtopia

Empowering Riders for Safer Roads in Accra! 🛵 In collaboration with KADA, we recently organized comprehensive road safety training for over 100 motorcycle and tricycle riders in Accra. This initiative aimed to enhance knowledge of traffic regulations, defensive riding techniques, and the importance of wearing protective gear. Facilitated by our team, the Ghana Police Service, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority, Ghana (DVLA), and the National Road Safety Authority, Ghana (NRSA), the workshop underscores our commitment to promoting means of transportation that cut #greenhouse gas emissions to enhance #air quality. Read more: https://lnkd.in/d2zMDHyH

Empowering Waste Workers for Clean Air & Climate Action! 🌍💨 On March 14, 2025, we are hosting a capacity-building session for #waste workers in the Ledzokuku and La Dade Kotoponm municipalities on clean #air & #methane gas management. This training will: ✅ Enhance understanding of air pollution & methane emissions ✅ Equip waste workers with mitigation strategies ✅ Empower them as environmental stewards in their communities Cleaner air starts with informed action! Join us in building a healthier, more #sustainable future. #CleanAir #StopOpenBurning #WasteWorkers #ClimateAction

📢 On March 12, key stakeholders will gather for the UrbanBetter Accra Cityzens Hub Stakeholder Workshop organised by Green Africa Youth Organization (GAYO) to foster sustainable urban environments through active citizen engagement. This gathering will bring together government, civil society, academia, and the private sector to collaborate on creating a cleaner, healthier, and more livable Accra. This workshop is a chance to build alliances, shape urban solutions, and drive collective action. Participants will gain insights into the UrbanBetter Cityzens Precision Advocacy model, reflect on key activations in Accra over the past six months, and engage with the network of trained Cityzens. The key focus areas will include; 1.) Identifying shared priorities related to air pollution, urban public spaces, and physical activity 2.) Exploring how the Accra Cityzens Hub can serve as a tool for advocacy and action 3.) Engaging in a participatory approach through presentations, discussions, brainstorming, and feedback sessions. By the end of the workshop, the aim is to establish a shared vision, prioritise pressing urban challenges, and lay the groundwork for meaningful collaboration. If you’d like to be part of this conversation, please reach out to accracityzens@urbanbetter.science. Let’s work together to create a cleaner, healthier Accra! #Cityzens4CleanAir #CityzensHub #StakeholderWorkshop #SustainableCities #HealthyCities #CleanAirAccra #PrecisionAdvocacy Clean Air Fund Green Africa Youth Organization (GAYO) Jacob Johnson Attakpah Dr Elvis Kyere-Gyeabour, Ph.D

Happy International Women’s Day! 💜🌍 Today, we celebrate Africa’s young female #climate advocates, #waste workers, and green entrepreneurs who are leading the charge for #sustainability, #resilience, and a thriving green economy. From tackling climate challenges to innovating sustainable solutions, these #women are shaping a future where people and the #planet thrive together. Your dedication inspires generations to take action! Here’s to the women building a greener, more just #Africa! 🌱👩🏾🔬💪🏾 #IWD2025 #WomenInClimate #GreenEconomy #ClimateAction

We’re championing #cleanair and clean spaces as we engage communities on the importance of #waste separation and how improper waste disposal — especially burning waste — contributes to severe air pollution. With #Accra being a hotspot for waste burning, it’s time to rethink our habits and choose cleaner, healthier solutions to waste management for our #environment and our health. #CleanAir #GoForZeroWaste #GAYOImpact https://lnkd.in/dhEVQ-fd

🇬🇭 Happy 68th Independence Anniversary, Ghana! 🇬🇭 As we celebrate our nation’s rich history and progress, let’s remember that true patriotism includes caring for our #environment. Our land, #air, and #water are the foundation of our prosperity — protecting them is key to building a resilient and sustainable #Ghana. Let’s embrace climate action, champion sustainable practices, and inspire environmental stewardship as we work towards a greener, brighter future for generations to come. #SustainableGhana #ClimateAction #GAYOImpact

What is the role of the church in #climatejustice? For GAYO, working with faith-based organizations has always been a key strategy in spreading awareness and mobilizing grassroots movements for #environmental solutions. But our participation at the Taproot Earth Global Convening on Global Reparations brought deeper reflections on this question. Historically, the church played a role in #commodification, #colonization, and #resourceextraction: often paving the way for environmental and social #injustices. Now, it’s time for faith communities to acknowledge this past and take meaningful action toward #repair, #restoration, and #reinstating what has been lost. That’s why GAYO, in collaboration with partners like GAIA (Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives) , Break Free From Plastic and Youth Climate Council Global Alliance continues to advocate for climate justice, advancing social #equity, alleviating #vulnerability, and championing the #right solutions. Our Programs Director Betty Osei Bonsu (Mrs), speaking at the session highlighted these crucial intersections and the urgent need for faith-based institutions to be active drivers of justice in the climate movement. Let’s keep the conversation going; how do you see the role of the church in climate justice? #ClimateJustice #FaithAndClimate #SocialJustice #Reparations #EnvironmentalJustice #GAYO