The La Palm Royal Beach Hotel in Accra came alive on the night of October 30, 2025, as Green for Change Ghana (GCG) was honoured with the National Award for Excellence in Driving Climate Resilience and Conservation through Inclusive Sustainable Community Initiatives at the 4th Ghana Philanthropy Awards, organised by The Business Executive.
The event celebrated organisations and individuals making lasting contributions to Ghana’s development through philanthropy and social innovation.
For Green for Change Ghana, the award represents not only national recognition but also a validation of over a decade of unwavering commitment to building climate resilience and empowering rural communities to lead in environmental conservation.
Receiving the award on behalf of the organisation were Mr. John Balankoo Sumbo, Executive Director of Green for Change Ghana, and Dr. Aaron Akon-Yamga, the Board Chairman.
Both leaders expressed profound gratitude to the organisers and reaffirmed their dedication to advancing inclusive, community-driven environmental action.
“This award is both humbling and inspiring,” said Mr. Sumbo moments after receiving the plaque. “It reminds us that our work is not just about planting trees or conserving natural resources; it’s about restoring hope, reclaiming degraded lands, and securing livelihoods for future generations. Every tree we plant and every farmer we empower is a step toward a greener, more resilient Ghana.”
He reflected on the enormous environmental challenges facing the country, particularly illegal mining, deforestation, and land degradation, which continue to threaten Ghana’s ecological balance and the livelihoods of millions.
“We need to deepen our impact by reclaiming lands devastated by illegal mining, restoring biodiversity, and improving soil health,” he said. “Our goal is to help communities heal the land while improving their livelihoods. That’s what true climate resilience looks like.”
Green for Change Ghana’s work spans a wide range of thematic areas, including landscape restoration, conservation agriculture, renewable energy promotion, environmental education, advocacy, and research.
The organisation also integrates behavioural change approaches to inspire long-term environmental stewardship among local populations.
Through these strategies, GCG has become a major force in tackling climate change across the five northern regions of Ghana and parts of the south, helping vulnerable households adopt sustainable livelihoods while regenerating degraded ecosystems.
“Our interventions focus on promoting sustainable agroecological practices, advancing agroforestry, expanding the use of improved cookstoves, and supporting green livelihoods,” Mr. Sumbo explained. “By doing so, we’re reducing poverty and helping communities adapt to the changing climate.”
He also used the opportunity to invite partnerships from donors, development agencies, and private sector actors to expand the organisation’s impact. “Our doors are open for collaboration,” he said. “We welcome strategic partners and donors who share our mission to build a greener, more resilient Ghana. Together, we can scale our work and bring hope to more communities.”
For Dr. Aaron Akon-Yamga, the Board Chairman, the award is a celebration of teamwork, persistence, and belief in a shared vision. “I am deeply proud of how far Green for Change Ghana has come,” he said with a smile.
“This recognition is a reflection of our team’s commitment, our partners’ trust, and the resilience of the communities we serve.
We started small, but our collective effort has grown into a movement of hope and impact. I urge stakeholders and donors to work with us to confront the pressing climate challenges affecting so many families and communities.”
The organisation’s vision, to see a world where local communities thrive in harmony with nature continues to guide its daily work. Its mission remains clear: to tackle climate change, protect natural resources, and promote sustainable ecosystems through community-focused action.
As the evening came to a close and the applause faded, the message from Green for Change Ghana’s leadership was simple yet powerful: the award marks a new beginning, not a finish line.
“This recognition renews our resolve,” Mr. Sumbo concluded. “We remain steadfast in our mission to build resilience, protect nature, and secure livelihoods in the face of a changing climate. Together, with our partners, we will continue to make our planet greener, fairer, and more sustainable for all.”
From its roots in community engagement to its growing national footprint, Green for Change Ghana stands as a shining example of how local action can drive global change, proving that when communities lead, the environment heals, and hope is restored.