Green for Change Ghana, a national environment-focused non-governmental organisation (NGO) committed to promoting effective environmental practices and policies for the benefit of local communities and the planet, has been recognised for its outstanding contribution to climate resilience and environmental sustainability.
The organisation received the “Excellence in Environmental Sustainability and Climate Action” award during the 2nd edition of the Northern Ghana Business Merit Awards, organised by The Business Executive Ghana on October 17, 2025, at the Modern City Hotel in Tamale.
Since its establishment in 2019, Green for Change Ghana (GCG) has implemented impactful programmes across the five regions of the northern ecological zone—Upper West, Upper East, North East, Savannah, and Northern—as well as parts of southern Ghana. The organisation’s work is anchored in restoring degraded ecosystems, building climate resilience, and promoting sustainable livelihoods that protect both people and the environment.
Speaking after receiving the award on behalf of the organisation, Mr. John Balankoo Sumbo, Executive Director of Green for Change Ghana, described the recognition as a profound validation of their ongoing efforts to restore degraded landscapes and support communities to adapt to the realities of climate change.
“This recognition is a powerful affirmation of our unwavering commitment to driving climate resilience, restoring degraded landscapes, and promoting sustainable livelihoods across Ghana,” Mr. Sumbo stated. “For us at Green for Change Ghana, local communities are the most affected by the adverse impacts of climate change. They grapple daily with food insecurity due to declining yields and limited coping strategies. That is why we promote adaptation and mitigation practices such as tree planting, the use of clean cookstoves, beekeeping, intercropping, soil and water conservation, dry-season vegetable production, and green value chain enhancement.”
Green for Change Ghana’s initiatives span a wide range of thematic areas that collectively advance the country’s sustainability agenda.
The organisation leads efforts in habitat and landscape restoration, climate change mitigation and adaptation, environmental education, research and advocacy, natural resource governance, conservation agriculture, and renewable energy promotion.
Through its innovative approaches, GCG empowers communities to become custodians of their environment, ensuring that both people and ecosystems thrive.
Mr. Sumbo emphasised that while the award is a milestone worth celebrating, it also serves as a reminder of the continued work required to secure Ghana’s environmental future.
“This award reminds us that our work is far from over,” he said.
“We must deepen our efforts, work harder to build local resilience to climate change, sustain the livelihoods of vulnerable communities, and reduce anti-environmental activities such as deforestation, illegal mining (galamsey), unsustainable farming practices, and poaching.”
Over the years, Green for Change Ghana has become a trusted partner in community-based landscape restoration and climate-smart agriculture.
Its projects integrate environmental conservation with socio-economic development, demonstrating that protecting nature and empowering people can go hand in hand.
The organisation also promotes renewable energy adoption through solar and clean cooking technologies to reduce reliance on charcoal and firewood, thereby contributing to lower carbon emissions and forest preservation.
Green for Change Ghana’s approach places people at the centre of environmental transformation. By combining technical innovation with behavioural change strategies, GCG inspires community ownership and lasting impact.
Its work continues to galvanise collective action across government, civil society, and the private sector toward achieving Ghana’s climate goals.
“Every tree planted, every livelihood supported, and every partnership built brings us closer to a more resilient and sustainable future,” Mr. Sumbo concluded. “We dedicate this award to our hardworking staff, resilient beneficiaries, supportive stakeholders, visionary partners, and generous donors whose trust and collaboration continue to drive our mission forward.”
The recognition from The Business Executive Ghana not only celebrates Green for Change Ghana’s achievements but also underscores the critical role of grassroots organisations in leading climate action. As the impacts of climate change intensify, the organisation’s work stands as a beacon of hope—proving that with collective effort, commitment, and innovation, a greener and more sustainable Ghana is within reach.
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