Ghana's Ezekiel Chibeze wins top award honouring grassroots environmental activists

Ezekiel Chibeze, winner of the 2020 Goldman Environmental Prize

Past Goldman Environmental Prize winners from Africa include Wangari Maathai, renowned Kenyan social, environmental and political activist; Ken Saro-Wiwa, Nigerian writer who fought for environmental justice and human rights; and South African activists Makoma Lekalakala and Liz McDaid.

Through 350 Ghana Reducing our Carbon (G-ROC), an environmental grassroots organisation in Ghana affiliated to 350.org, Chibeze champions for climate justice while raising awareness about the possibility of a carbon-free future and the potential of renewable energy in Ghana.

Shining a spotlight on the climate crisis

Said Landry Ninteretse, Africa team leader at 350.org: “Africa's youth have been calling for climate justice that would see a transition from fossil fuels and building climate resilient economies powered by renewables. This is exactly what Chibeze and the G-ROC team have been fighting for. As a climate leader, Chibeze has shone a spotlight on the climate crisis while helping his country Ghana to think of a socially and environmentally just, zero carbon future.

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"Chibeze has been a strong voice of the youth and grassroots groups. The recognition of his and other allies' work shows that collective efforts through community organising and campaigning can empower ordinary people to demand their rights and overcome social injustices and achieve inspiring wins for thousands of grassroots activists, frontline communities and local groups of Africa and beyond working for real climate justice.”