In brief
Formed in 2023, the Buz Stop Boys have turned into a civic movement focused on cleaning Ghana while changing public attitudes towards waste management. Prominent figures, including musicians and politicians, join in support.
The Buz Stop Boys, a passionate group of mostly young professionals and tradespeople in Ghana, are pioneering a civic responsibility movement that addresses the rampant litter problem across the nation. Their initiative is receiving accolades from local celebrities, politicians, and even the attention of international youth looking to lend a hand, as they sweep the streets of Accra and beyond.“Our goal is not just to tidy up the streets but to shift how people think about cleanliness,” says Heneba Kwadwo Sarfo, the group’s leader. With Ghana producing around 12,700 tonnes of solid waste daily, and only about 10% of it disposed of correctly, the Buz Stop Boys' work is critical. Sarfo hopes to foster a collective understanding of the benefits of a clean environment for public health and pride in Ghana.On average, the group mobilizes two to four times a week, tackling clogged drains, gutters, and overgrown grass in various locations. What began as a small initiative with just five founding members in July 2023 has grown into a movement comprising over 40 volunteers from varied professions, including midwives, carpenters, and military personnel. Sarfo crafted the name "Buz Stop Boys," knowing its familiarity would resonate widely. Social media has been a vital tool for the movement, allowing them to share their progress and inspire others. This outreach even attracted a group of UK teenagers who traveled to offer their assistance in Accra's Ablekuma neighborhood, widely recognized for its waste troubles. Sarfo views their arrival as a driving force for local engagement, emphasizing, “Without a clean environment, we are nothing.”Among the supporters of this grassroots campaign is renowned musician and activist Sister Derby, who expressed her admiration on social platforms, stating that their actions demonstrate “pure selflessness.” Additionally, popular artist Shatta Wale has voiced his support, contributing funds and rallying donations during a live TikTok session, highlighting the importance of community effort for a cleaner Accra.Political figures have also joined the cause, with former President John Mahama donating 50,000 cedis and Transport Minister Asensu Boakye contributing an additional 10,000 cedis, which assist the group's cleanup efforts, covering waste disposal costs and logistics. Sarfo welcomed these contributions, reinforcing the idea that the movement operates independent of political affiliations, solely focused on a cleaner Ghana.The Buz Stop Boys are a testament to local initiative, reinforcing the need for hands-on commitment to improve environmental conditions, with Sarfo remarking, “Individuals should take up initiatives because waiting for government hasn’t borne fruit over the years.” Their mission is simple yet profound: to foster community engagement in the upkeep of Ghana, ensuring the nation's beauty is preserved for future generations.
