Green for Change Ghana, a leading environmental and development organisation working at the intersection of climate action, natural resource management, sustainable livelihoods and
The report indicates that green for Change Ghana, a leading environmental and development organisation working at the intersection of climate action, natural resource management, sustainable livelihoods and community development, has received international recognition for its contribution to environmental sustainability and climate resilience.
It further notes that the organisation was named African Environmental Sustainability and Climate Resilience Organisation of the Year at the International Business Achiever Awards (IBAA 2026), held at the British Council in the Greater Accra Region. The event was organised by M-Gibes College of Business & Management in the United Kingdom.
The prestigious award was received on behalf of the organisation by its Executive Director, John Balankoo Sumbo, whose leadership has helped position Green for Change Ghana as one of the country’s emerging voices in community-led climate action, landscape restoration, sustainable agriculture, environmental governance and active citizenship.
The award recognises the organisation’s growing impact in supporting vulnerable communities to address climate change, restore degraded landscapes, improve agricultural productivity, strengthen local livelihoods and promote sustainable natural resource management.
Speaking after receiving the award, Mr Sumbo described the recognition as a testament to the collective efforts of communities, volunteers, traditional authorities, development partners, government institutions, donors and staff who have contributed to the organisation’s success over the years.
“This award is not about one individual. It is not even about Green for Change Ghana alone. It belongs to the thousands of farmers, women, youth, community volunteers, traditional leaders, government partners and development organisations that have worked with us over the years to protect our environment and improve livelihoods.”
“When I stood to receive this award, I reflected on the many communities we have worked with, some in very remote parts of Ghana where climate change is no longer a future threat but a daily reality. These communities are facing declining rainfall, prolonged droughts, land degradation, biodiversity loss, bushfires, illegal logging and shrinking livelihood opportunities. This recognition demonstrates that local solutions driven by communities themselves can produce transformative results.”
Mr Sumbo noted that Green for Change Ghana has consistently focused on building practical, community-centred solutions that address both environmental degradation and rural poverty simultaneously.
According to him, environmental conservation cannot succeed if it fails to address the livelihood needs of the people who depend on natural resources for survival.
“One of the lessons we have learned over the years is that people cannot be expected to protect forests, trees, water bodies and landscapes if they do not have sustainable alternatives for earning a living. That is why our work combines environmental restoration with livelihood improvement.”
“Whether we are supporting agroforestry, climate-smart agriculture, clean energy solutions, landscape restoration, community volunteerism, women’s economic empowerment or natural resource governance, our goal has always been to ensure that environmental sustainability and human well-being go hand in hand.”
Over the years, Green for Change Ghana has implemented interventions across several regions of Ghana, focusing on landscape restoration, biodiversity conservation, climate-smart agriculture, climate adaptation, community-based natural resource management, sustainable livelihoods and environmental education.
The organisation has also worked extensively with farmers and local communities to promote agroforestry systems, restore degraded lands, protect vulnerable ecosystems, strengthen food security and improve resilience to climate shocks.
Mr Sumbo emphasised that climate change remains one of the greatest threats to sustainable development across Africa and called for increased investment in locally driven climate solutions.
