Green for Change Ghana (GCG) has once again captured national attention after being awarded the National Award for Excellence in Driving Climate Resilience and Conservation through Inclusive Sustainable Community Initiatives during the 4th Ghana Philanthropy Awards at La Palm Royal Beach Hotel, Accra, on 30th October 2025.
The honor reflects years of consistent effort in restoring degraded landscapes, promoting renewable energy, and empowering rural communities to adapt to climate change. For GCG, the award is not merely a trophy—it’s a renewed call to scale up partnerships and deepen the fight for a sustainable future.
Executive Director, Mr. John Balankoo Sumbo, received the award alongside Board Chairman, Dr. Aaron Akon-Yamga, and used the occasion to emphasize the urgent need for donor and partner support. “This recognition belongs to our staff, our partners, and the rural communities that inspire our mission every day,” said Mr. Sumbo. “It also reminds us that climate action requires collective effort. We are inviting development partners, donors, and the private sector to join hands with us in expanding our impact. Together, we can reclaim Ghana’s degraded lands, protect biodiversity, and create sustainable livelihoods.”
Green for Change Ghana’s initiatives cover a wide range of environmental interventions including habitat restoration, climate-smart agriculture, renewable energy promotion, and community education. Its approach combines technical innovation with behavior change models that ensure long-term ownership by local people.
Dr. Akon-Yamga highlighted that while progress has been made, much remains to be done. “We have seen firsthand how communities can rise from vulnerability to resilience when given the right tools and support,” he said. “But to bring that transformation to more regions, we need more partners. Climate change is a shared challenge; it requires shared responsibility.”
The organization is appealing to donors who believe in sustainability, inclusion, and impact to collaborate on joint project development, research, and capacity building. “Every tree planted, every clean cookstove distributed, and every degraded hectare restored brings us closer to a future where people and nature thrive together,” Mr. Sumbo affirmed.
As the applause from the awards night fades, the message from Green for Change Ghana remains powerful and clear: the time to act together is now. “This award is a milestone,” said Mr. Sumbo, “but the real reward will be when no community in Ghana lives in fear of climate change. With our partners, we can make that vision a reality.”
source: Padfm.com.gh
