Buz stop Boys wins Emy Africa Network Award 2024

 In July 2023, a small group of five passionate individuals in Accra, Ghana, embarked on a mission to tackle the city’s mounting waste challenges. Armed with brooms, shovels, and an unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship, they formed the “Buz Stop Boys,” aiming not only to clean the streets but also to inspire a broader cultural shift towards environmental responsibility. 

Origins and Growth

Led by civil engineer Heneba Kwadwo Sarfo, the Buz Stop Boys began their journey by addressing local sanitation issues, starting from Kasoa and expanding their efforts to other areas, including the Spintex catchment area. Their dedication quickly resonated with the community, leading to a surge in volunteerism. Within months, their numbers swelled from the original five to over 40 members, encompassing a diverse group of midwives, carpenters, military officers, and students, all united by a shared commitment to a cleaner environment. 

Impact and Collaborations

The group’s grassroots efforts have not only led to cleaner streets but have also ignited a sense of communal responsibility. Their work has garnered attention from various sectors:

• Corporate Support: Recognizing their impact, Zoomlion Ghana Ltd., a leading waste management company, provided technical and logistical assistance to the Buz Stop Boys. This collaboration included resources such as skip trucks, shovels, and tricycles, enhancing the efficiency of their clean-up exercises. 

• Celebrity Endorsements: Ghanaian musicians like Sister Derby and Shatta Wale have publicly praised the group’s efforts. Shatta Wale, in particular, lauded them as “the real heroes,” emphasizing the significance of their work in transforming Accra’s environment and supported them with 30,000 Ghana cedis. 

• Community Engagement: The Buz Stop Boys have actively engaged with educational institutions, donating dustbins labeled for waste segregation to schools like Apostle Safo School of Art and Sciences and Wellspring School. This initiative aims to instill the importance of waste segregation among students, fostering a culture of environmental consciousness from a young age. 

Transition to Formal Enterprise

In a strategic move to sustain and expand their environmental initiatives, the Buz Stop Boys registered as a limited liability company, now known as Pro Buz Stop Boys (PoBSB). This formalization enables them to undertake cleaning and sanitation contracts, providing a revenue stream to support their advocacy for a clean and healthy environment. Heneba Kojo Sarfo emphasized that this step would facilitate collaborations with both governmental and private entities, ensuring the continuity and growth of their mission. 

A Model for Grassroots Environmentalism

The journey of the Buz Stop Boys exemplifies the profound impact that grassroots initiatives can have on urban sanitation and environmental awareness. Their evolution from a small volunteer group to a recognized waste management entity underscores the power of community action in driving sustainable change. By transforming local attitudes towards waste and cleanliness, they have set a precedent for similar movements, demonstrating that collective effort can lead to significant environmental improvements.

Award 2024

Buz stop boys wins the discovery of the year 2024 at the Emy Africa Network.

Conclusion

The Buz Stop Boys’ story is a testament to how community-driven initiatives can address pressing environmental challenges. Their dedication has not only led to cleaner streets but has also fostered a culture of responsibility and sustainability. As they continue to grow and inspire others, their journey serves as a beacon of hope for communities worldwide striving for environmental betterment. Governmental bodies from the ministry of Interior, NADMO and the local government, Environmental officers, should open their doors and support such volunteerism so that collectively waste management and sanitation issues will be addressed in our localities