Buz Stop Boys
| Formation | Early 2023 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Heneba Safo |
| Type | Volunteer organization |
| Purpose | Environmental sanitation and community service |
| Headquarters | Accra, Ghana |
| Location | |
Region served | Urban communities in Ghana |
Coordinator | Heneba Safo |
Buz Stop Boys is a Ghanaian non-governmental volunteer organization focused on environmental sanitation and community clean-up initiatives. Based in Accra, the group works to improve public hygiene by cleaning streets, bus stops, and other public spaces while promoting environmental awareness and civic responsibility.[1]
History
The group was founded in 2023 by civil engineer Heneba Kwadwo Sarfo as a grassroots initiative aimed at addressing sanitation challenges in urban Ghana.[2] It began with a small number of volunteers and gradually expanded into a broader movement involving individuals from various professional backgrounds.[3] The initiative gained wider attention through social media and media coverage, highlighting its efforts to improve sanitation in densely populated areas.[4]
Activities
Buz Stop Boys carry out regular sanitation activities, including:
- Cleaning streets, gutters, and public spaces
- Organising community clean-up campaigns
- Promoting waste management and environmental hygiene
- Engaging volunteers in civic initiatives
The group typically conducts clean-up exercises multiple times a week in parts of Greater Accra and other regions.[5]
Presidential recognition
The organisation has collaborated with various partners and community groups to support its activities.
In 2025, the group received sanitation equipment and public commendation from Ghanaian president John Dramani Mahama for its contribution to keeping the city clean.[6] It has also partnered with private organisations on sanitation campaigns aimed at improving environmental conditions in Ghana.[7]
Impact and collaborations
Buz Stop Boys has contributed to raising awareness of sanitation challenges in Ghana and encouraging community participation in environmental cleanliness. Their activities have been noted for promoting behavioural change and civic engagement among residents.[8] The team continues to improve environmental sanitation in urban communities across Ghana through regular clean-up exercises and volunteer-driven initiatives.[9] The group conducts clean-up activities multiple times each week, focusing on areas affected by waste accumulation and poor drainage.[10]
The organisation has collaborated with several corporate and community partners to expand its activities. In 2024, it worked with Zoomlion Ghana Limited on sanitation efforts aimed at improving cleanliness in parts of Accra.[11] It has also partnered with tourism and environmental stakeholders, including the Ghana Tourism Authority, to undertake clean-up exercises at public recreational spaces.[12] In addition, the group has received financial and logistical support from private individuals and organisations. In 2025, businessman Dr Kofi Amoah (Citizen Kofi) donated funds to support the group's sanitation activities.[13] The initiative has also attracted international collaboration, including participation in beach clean-up campaigns with external organisations such as Black By God.[14] The group's work has received recognition both locally and internationally. It has been acknowledged in media reports as a grassroots movement addressing sanitation challenges in Ghana,[15] and was reported to be scheduled for international recognition at the 2025 Carnival of Cultures in Berlin.[16]
Awards and recognition
Buz Stop Boys has received several awards and recognitions for its contributions to environmental sanitation and community volunteerism in Ghana.
| Year | Award | Category | Awarding body | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | YEN Entertainment Awards | Changemaker of the Year | YEN.com.gh | [17] |
| 2025 | Mentorship and Volunteerism Excellence (MVE) Awards | Volunteer Group of the Year | MVE Awards Organisation | [18] |
| 2025 | MTN Heroes of Change | Sustainability and Transformation Award | MTN Ghana | [19] |
| 2025 | International Recognition (Nomination) | Carnival of Cultures 2025 | Berlin Carnival of Cultures | [20] |
See also
References
- ^ "Buzstopboys: Young Volunteers Promoting a Clean Green Environment in Ghana". Africa Feature Network. 2026-02-12.
- ^ "Viral street cleaning movement has Ghana buzzing". BBC News.
- ^ "Black By God joins Ghana's Buz Stop Boys sanitation movement". Black By God.
- ^ "Buz Stop Boys: Ghana's youth unite to make country clean". Daily Jang.
- ^ "Black By God joins Ghana's Buz Stop Boys sanitation movement". Black By God.
- ^ "Mahama supports Buz Stop Boys with sanitation materials". GBC Ghana Online.
- ^ "CleanVibe Ghana partners with Buz Stop Boys". MyJoyOnline.
- ^ "Buzstopboys community projects". GhanaTrvl.
- ^ "Meet the Buz Stop Boys: The grassroots heroes cleaning Ghana, one street at a time". Pulse Ghana. 2024-11-29.
- ^ "Meet the Buz Stop Boys: The grassroots heroes cleaning Ghana, one street at a time". Pulse Ghana. 2024-11-29.
- ^ "Buz Stop Boys and Zoomlion collaborate to keep Accra beautiful". Citi Newsroom. 2024-03-16.
- ^ "GTA and Bus Stop Boyz champion clean-up exercise at Nationalism Park". MyJoyOnline.
- ^ "Citizen Kofi supports Buz Stop Boys". MyJoyOnline. 2025-03-19.
- ^ "Black By God joins Ghana's Buz Stop Boys sanitation movement". Black By God. 2025-12-18.
- ^ "Meet the Buz Stop Boys: The grassroots heroes cleaning Ghana, one street at a time". Pulse Ghana. 2024-11-29.
- ^ "Buz Stop Boys to receive international recognition at Berlin's 2025 Carnival of Cultures". GhanaWeb.
- ^ "Buz Stop Boys wins Changemaker of the Year at YEN 2025 Awards". YEN.com.gh.
- ^ "Buz Stop Boys awarded at 6th MVE Awards 2025". GhanaWeb.
- ^ "Buz Stop Boys featured on Springboard MTN Heroes of Change". Springboard Ghana.
- ^ "Buz Stop Boys to receive international recognition at Berlin Carnival of Cultures 2025". GhanaWeb.