Buz Stop Boys Lead a Civic Cleanup Movement in Ghana, Gaining Support from Celebrities and Politicians

A group of young professionals and tradespeople in Ghana, known as the Buz Stop Boys, is leading a grassroots movement to address the country’s growing waste problem. Armed with brooms, shovels, and a shared sense of civic duty, they are tackling the mounds of rubbish that litter cities and towns across the nation. Their efforts have garnered widespread admiration from local celebrities, politicians, and even international volunteers.

The initiative, which began in 2023, is not just about cleaning the streets—it’s about changing attitudes toward waste and environmental responsibility. “Our goal is not just to clean the streets but to change mindsets,” says Heneba Kwadwo Sarfo, the civil engineer who founded the group. “If we can make people understand that keeping their environment clean benefits everyone, we’ll have a cleaner, healthier, and prouder Ghana.”

In Ghana, around 12,700 tonnes of solid waste are generated daily, but only about 10% of it is properly disposed of. The accumulation of waste has led to clogged drains, flooding, and pollution. Fed up with the situation, the Buz Stop Boys have taken matters into their own hands, clearing clogged gutters, cleaning pavements, and cutting overgrown grass in Greater Accra up to four times a week. The group’s volunteers are often a mix of local residents, with the number of participants varying depending on people’s availability.

The movement started small, with just five people, when Sarfo founded it in July 2023. He chose the name “Buz Stop Boys,” knowing that the concept of a bus stop resonates with all Ghanaians, regardless of socioeconomic status. “The rich and poor, everybody knows what a bus stop is,” he said, emphasizing the unifying aspect of the name. Today, the group has grown to include over 40 men and women, including midwives, carpenters, military officers, and other professionals.

Social media has played a crucial role in spreading the message and attracting more people to the cause. Through videos and posts, the Buz Stop Boys have used the power of online platforms to inspire others to join the movement. Sarfo acknowledges that while the group has made significant strides, there is still much more to be done. “Through our videos, we’ve been able to change the mindset of some people, but there’s still a lot of work to do,” he explains.

The group’s impact has also reached international shores. In the summer of 2023, a group of teenagers from the UK traveled to Accra to help with the clean-up in Ablekuma, an area notorious for its waste disposal issues. Sarfo viewed their visit as an important symbol of global solidarity and hopes it will encourage more locals to take part in the movement. “Don’t sit back at home and say you don’t care,” he said. “One thing is key: without [the] environment, we are useless. We can’t survive on this planet.”

The Buz Stop Boys have received strong backing from Ghana’s entertainment community. Popular musician and human rights activist Sister Derby praised the group for their “pure selflessness” on social media and even joined them in cleaning a street market in Accra. “I was really touched by their dedication and willingness to give their time and energy,” she said.

Dancehall star Shatta Wale has also been a vocal supporter, raising funds through a live TikTok session. Wale managed to raise 30,000 cedis (about $1,830), which he donated to the cause. “These boys are the real heroes,” he said. “They are doing what most of us are too busy or too proud to do. If we all helped them, imagine how beautiful Accra would be.”

Politicians from across the political spectrum have also chipped in, with former President John Mahama donating 50,000 cedis and Transport Minister Kwaku Ofori Asensu Boakye contributing 10,000 cedis. The funds have been vital in supporting the group’s activities, including paying for waste disposal and fuel for their tricycle, which they use to transport rubbish to refuse sites.

While the Buz Stop Boys remain politically neutral, their focus is squarely on realizing their vision of a cleaner Ghana. Sarfo believes that individuals, not just the government, must take responsibility for improving the environment. “Waiting for government has not worked over the decades,” he says. “In the event of an environmental disaster, we as citizens suffer the most. It is therefore important for us to rise and help ourselves.”

Through their dedication and leadership, the Buz Stop Boys have sparked a new wave of civic engagement in Ghana, proving that small, community-driven initiatives can make a big impact. Their work continues to inspire people not only in Ghana but around the world to take pride in their surroundings and take action for the environment.

Mark Wilberforce, a freelance journalist based in London and Accra, contributed to this report.