The Green Africa Youth Organisation (GAYO), together with government and development partners, has launched Ghana’s national union for informal waste workers at the Wesley Towers Conference Room in Accra last Monday.

The event, themed “From informality to inclusion: Recognising informal waste workers as essential actors in Ghana’s circular economy,” brought together waste worker leaders from all 16 regions of Ghana alongside government officials, development partners, and private sector actors.

The launch marked the end of a five-year journey by GAYO to organise and mobilise waste pickers across the country, a process that began with a single waste picker cooperative and has grown into a nationwide movement recognising the environmental and economic contribution of informal waste workers.

The new union gives informal waste workers, many of whom recover recyclable materials, divert waste from landfill, and supply industries with secondary raw materials, a unified voice to engage government, municipalities, industry, and development partners for the first time.

Dr Abdul-Rashid Pelpuo, Ghana’s Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment, confirmed the union’s formation as a lawful exercise under the Labour Act 2003 (Act 651) and Ghana’s ratified International Labour Organisation Conventions on freedom of association.

Speaking on behalf of GAYO, Mr Richard Matey said the launch reflects years of organising and relationship-building. “Recognition requires organisation. Organisation requires representation. Representation requires partnerships. That understanding shaped the journey that has brought us here today,” he said, adding that inclusion for the sector was an ongoing process that will continue with legal recognition, municipal integration, and expanded market access.

Government and GAYO both described the launch as a starting point rather than an endpoint. Priorities going forward include strengthening the union’s institutional capacity, expanding partnerships with Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), improving access to social protection and occupational health services, and integrating waste workers more fully into Ghana’s circular economy.

The initiative was supported by funding partners including the UMI Fund, The Earthshot Prize, Global Methane Hub, and the Clean Air Fund, alongside technical and institutional partners such as Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA), the Ghana National Plastic Action Partnership (Ghana NPAP), the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, People’s Dialogue, Impact Footprint Africa, IESS Legon, Green Growth Africa, Work First Mile, CONIWAS, and a wide network of government institutions, recycling companies, and civil society organisations.

By Jemima Esinam Kuatsinu

​Throughout human history, art, philosophy, and literature have continuously sought to capture the essence of female beauty.

Yet, true beauty extends far beyond physical appearance. The most profound dimensions of women encompassing strength, emotional depth, intellectual brilliance, nurturing leadership, and creative resilience-form a magnificent mosaic that enriches the human experience.

​To examine the beautiful side of women is to look at a harmonious blend of biology, character, intellect, and spirit that sustains families, drives communities, and inspires culture.

​1. Emotional depth and relational intelligence

​One of the most remarkable aspects of women is their profound emotional intelligence and capacity for deep connection.

​Empathy as a superpower: Women frequently demonstrate an extraordinary ability to attune to the emotional climates of those around them. This deep empathy allows them to bridge divides, offer profound comfort during times of grief, and foster safe spaces for vulnerability and healing.

​The art of resilience: Throughout history, women have navigated immense societal and personal challenges. Their emotional resilience-the ability to face hardship, absorb stress, and emerge with a renewed commitment to life-is a testament to inner fortitude. This resilience is not merely about enduring pain; it is about transforming adversity into wisdom, grace, and strength.

​2. Intellectual brilliance and innovation

​Intellect is a core pillar of female beauty and capability. Across every scientific, technological, artistic, and philosophical domain, women have fundamentally shaped the modern world.

​Pioneering discovery: From mathematics and medicine to literature and quantum physics, women have broken barriers to advance human knowledge. Their analytical rigor, paired with intuitive problem-solving, brings unique perspectives to complex global challenges.

​Visionary leadership: In governance, business, and grassroots activism, women bring collaborative leadership styles that prioritise community welfare, long-term sustainability, and inclusive progress. This holistic approach to leadership demonstrates that brilliance is deeply intertwined with empathy and foresight.

​3. Creativity, culture, and expression

​Human culture would be unimaginably muted without the artistic and creative contributions of women.

​Weaving the tapestry of tradition and art: Whether through intricate textile arts—such as the painstaking creation of monumental installations using tattered materials and delicate glass seed beads-or through literature, music, and dance, women transform raw materials into profound expressions of identity and history.

​Preserving narrative and heritage: As cultural anchors, women have historically passed down oral traditions, ancestral wisdom, and moral frameworks across generations. This preservation of heritage ensures that communities retain their roots while navigating an ever-changing world.

​4. Nurturing strength and community building

​At the heart of social cohesion lies the nurturing power inherent in many women. This is not a passive trait, but an active, foundational force that builds communities.

​Unconditional love and support: Whether expressed through motherhood, mentorship, or deep friendship, the ability to love, guide, and champion others allows human beings to thrive. Mentorship provided by women often launches new generations of leaders, thinkers, and creators.

​The “Tend-and-Befriend” Spirit: Evolutionary psychology highlights the innate female capacity to build resilient social networks under stress. By prioritising cooperation, mutual support, and collective well-being, women create safety nets that sustain societies through their darkest hours.

​Conclusion

​The beauty of women is a dynamic, living force that transcends superficial definitions. It is found in the courage of daily perseverance, the brilliance of intellectual discovery, the warmth of deep empathy, and the transformative power of creativity. By honoring these multifaceted dimensions, we recognise that the true beauty of women is a cornerstone of human dignity, progress, and grace.

By Robert Ekow Grimmond-Thompson