By Diamond Media Team
Ghanaian science storyteller and climate advocate Afia Agyapomaa Ofosu has been named the winner of the Urban Resilience category in the Resilience in Focus Photo Story Contest, a prestigious competition recognising outstanding environmental storytelling. Her work, which highlights the efforts of individuals tackling climate challenges in Africa, earned her international recognition and a $1,000 cash prize.
Her award-winning piece tells the story of Gifty Avevor, a woman leading the fight against plastic pollution and promoting sustainability in urban communities. Through powerful imagery, Afia captures the environmental crisis posed by plastic waste while also showcasing the resilience, determination, and innovation of individuals like Gifty, who are driving change despite systemic challenges.
“This award is not just for me but for every storyteller who dares to shine a light on the issues that matter. Climate change is not a distant threat—it is here, affecting our people, our communities, and our future. Through storytelling, we can move hearts, shift perspectives, and drive action,” Afia said.
A Victory for African Storytelling
Afia’s achievement is particularly significant as she was the only female African winner among an elite group of storytellers from across the continent. She was honoured alongside four other awardees from Uganda, South Africa, and Ghana, all recognised by the Global Resilience Partnership (GRP) and the Green Africa Youth Organization (GAYO) for their contributions to environmental advocacy.
Beyond personal recognition, Afia’s win highlights the growing influence of African women in climate storytelling. It underscores the vital role of narratives in shifting public perception, influencing policy, and inspiring community-driven action. Her victory is a call to young African storytellers, especially women, to use their voices in the fight against climate change.
Storytelling as a Tool for Climate Action
The Resilience in Focus Photo Story Contest seeks to amplify the lived experiences of African communities facing climate resilience challenges. The competition emphasises how visual storytelling can bridge the gap between science and society, making environmental issues more accessible and urgent.
Afia’s award-winning piece aligns perfectly with this vision. By documenting Gifty Avevor’s fight against plastic pollution, she highlights how one person’s determination can transform an entire community. Gifty’s work is not just about waste collection—it is about changing mindsets, promoting sustainable practices, and proving that small actions can lead to large-scale transformations.
“Thank you, GRP and GAYO, for believing in the voices of young African environmental storytellers. This recognition fuels my passion to continue telling the stories that need to be told—stories that inspire solutions and empower communities,” Afia said.
Inspiring a Greener, More Resilient Africa
For over a decade, Afia Agyapomaa Ofosu has blended science, storytelling, and digital media to create compelling narratives that drive environmental awareness and action. Her work simplifies complex climate issues, ensuring that local communities, policymakers, and young people can understand, engage with, and act upon them.
Her storytelling approach goes beyond reporting facts—she makes people feel the urgency of climate change by focusing on real-life experiences. Through Gifty Avevor’s story, she brings human resilience to the forefront, making sustainability a personal and collective responsibility.
Afia’s work aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 13 (Climate Action), but her impact extends beyond policy frameworks. She is committed to empowering African voices, amplifying indigenous knowledge, and fostering a culture of environmental responsibility.
A Legacy in the Making
Afia Agyapomaa Ofosu’s Resilience in Focus award is more than a personal victory—it is a milestone for African storytelling, climate advocacy, and the movement toward a sustainable future.
Her journey proves that stories have the power to reshape our world, and with her unwavering commitment, she is ensuring that Africa’s climate resilience stories are not just told but heard, felt, and acted upon.
As she continues to amplify under-represented voices and draw attention to the most pressing environmental challenges of our time, one thing remains clear: Afia is not just telling stories—she is shaping the future.