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Green for Change Ghana (GCG), a fast-growing environmental non-governmental organization dedicated to empowering communities to protect nature and adapt to climate change, has received national recognition for its outstanding contributions to environmental sustainability and climate resilience in Ghana. The organization was honored with the National Award for Excellence in Driving Climate Resilience and Conservation through Inclusive Sustainable Community Initiatives during the 4th edition of the Ghana Philanthropy Awards powered by The Business Executive. The colorful ceremony, held at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel in Accra on 30th October 2025, brought together distinguished personalities, changemakers, development organizations, and philanthropists from across Ghana. The awards celebrated individuals and institutions demonstrating exceptional commitment to national development, environmental stewardship, and social inclusion. Receiving the award on behalf of Green for Change Ghana were Mr. John Balankoo Sumbo, the Executive Director, and Dr. Aaron Akon-Yamga, the Board Chairman. The award recognized the organization’s consistent efforts in promoting inclusive, community-driven solutions that restore degraded landscapes, strengthen local economies, and help vulnerable communities adapt to the impacts of climate change. Speaking after the ceremony, Mr. John Balankoo Sumbo expressed his profound gratitude to the organizers and selection committee for acknowledging Green for Change Ghana’s dedication to building a more resilient and sustainable environment. “This award is both humbling and inspiring,” he said. “It reminds us that our work is not just about planting trees or conserving ecosystems but it’s about restoring hope, reclaiming degraded lands, and securing livelihoods for future generations.” Mr. Sumbo highlighted the urgent need to confront environmental degradation and the growing threat of illegal mining, which continues to destroy farmlands, forests, and water bodies. “We need to deepen our impact by working harder to reclaim lands devastated by illegal mining, restore biodiversity, improve soil health, and clean up polluted water bodies,” he emphasized. “At Green for Change Ghana, we continue to promote sustainable agroecological practices, agroforestry, improved cookstoves, renewable energy, and alternative livelihoods to ensure that vulnerable households can thrive even in the face of climate change.” He further called on local and international partners to join forces with Green for Change Ghana to scale up impactful interventions across the country. “Our doors are open for strategic partnerships and joint project development with organizations that share our mission of building a greener, more resilient Ghana,” he noted. “This award belongs to our dedicated staff, committed partners, generous donors, and most importantly, the rural and vulnerable communities at the heart of our work. Their courage and resilience continue to inspire us every day.” Echoing these sentiments, Dr. Aaron Akon-Yamga, the Board Chairman of Green for Change Ghana, praised the organization’s progress and reaffirmed its long-term commitment to addressing the growing climate crisis. “I am deeply proud of how far Green for Change Ghana has come in advancing climate resilience and environmental sustainability,” Dr. Akon-Yamga remarked. “This recognition reflects our collective dedication and the hard work of our staff and partners who continue to promote meaningful change. I call on donors and stakeholders to collaborate with us to tackle the climate change challenges that are threatening many communities and families across the country.” Green for Change Ghana envisions a world where local communities thrive in harmony with nature through the discovery and application of innovative environmental practices and policies. Its mission is to tackle climate change, protect natural resources, and conserve ecosystems through community-focused initiatives that foster sustainability and resilience. The organization’s work spans several thematic areas, including habitat and landscape restoration, climate change mitigation and adaptation, renewable energy and clean cooking technologies, environmental conservation education, research and advocacy, natural resource conflict management, and green value chain development in commodities like cashew, honey, and shea. GCG also applies behavior change approaches to inspire lasting community stewardship of the environment. Operating across Ghana’s five northern regions and parts of the south, Green for Change Ghana continues to champion innovative, climate-smart solutions that protect the environment, reduce poverty, and empower communities to lead their own transformation. As the applause faded at the awards night, the message from Green for Change Ghana’s leadership was one of hope and renewed commitment. “This award is not the end of our journey it is a call to do even more. We remain steadfast in our mission to build resilience, protect nature, and secure livelihoods in the face of a changing climate. Together, we can make our planet greener, fairer, and more sustainable for all”; said Mr. Sumbo.
