Ghanaian NGO Green Africa Youth Organization (GAYO) has been named a winner at the just-ended Earthshot Prize Awards in Cape Town, South Africa.

The event, championed by Prince William, Prince of Wales, gathered environmental innovators from around the globe working to repair and regenerate the planet.

GAYO won in the "Clean Our Air" category, a prestigious recognition of its efforts to combat waste pollution in Africa.

Co-founder Desmond Alugnoa, who relocated from Germany to focus on GAYO’s mission, shared in his acceptance speech that while it was a difficult choice, he believed that “the best solutions and the best minds are always the ones closer to the problem.”

He expressed gratitude to Prince William and the Earthshot Prize team for “endorsing our dream” and thanked waste pickers and local leaders for their ongoing support.

“This [award] is to the youth of Africa, this [award] is to the youth of the World,” Mr Alugnoa declared.

Founded in 2014, GAYO is committed to promoting sustainable living that aligns with nature’s systems.

The organisation works directly with communities to reduce the climate vulnerability of children, youth, and women, often disproportionately affected by climate change due to social inequalities.

Over the years, GAYO has focused on diverse areas, including climate resilience, the circular economy, disaster risk reduction, sustainable agriculture, and renewable energy.

Watch the full Earthshot Prize Awards 2024 below: