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Profiling Buzstopboys …group of graduates, professionals cleaning the streets
The Buzstopboys
Buzstopboys, a group of dedicated young people, have over the past months received massive plaudits for their selfless contribution to transforming major bus stops and centres across the country through improved sanitation.
Their approach has been to locate bushy bus stops, choked gutters, neglected historic sites and areas taken over by weeds, clear them voluntarily and provide them a major facelift.
They have committed to promoting a clean green environment through patriotism, volunteerism and selflessness.
The initiative began with Oheneba Kwadwo Safo, a grandson of the renowned Ghanaian inventor, Agriculturalist and Philanthropist, Apostle Kwadwo Safo Kantanka, who founded Buzstopboys in 2023 with seven members.
Motivated by his grandfather’s regular saying, “Service to man is service to God,” they began clearing some bus stops in Accra with their own resources.
“I look around and see weeds all around some junctions and bus stops which could be cleared and become useful to pedestrians and motorists,” he told The Spectator.
Fast forward, the group which attracted massive attention owing to their numerous work have increased to over 150 members.
They have managed to clear over 253 bus stops and streets in Accra and Kumasi and looking forward to reaching over 400 by the end of the year.
Major works carried out by the group were at the Otumfuo Roundabout and Sofo Line in Kumasi, East Legon-Spintex underpass, Achimota new station overpass, Shiashi, Fadama and Kwashiman in Accra.
Interestingly, the group is made up of graduates and professionals, including teachers, doctors, military and police officers, nurses, painters as well as students.
For Oheneba, sanitation remains the foundation of every developed country hence the need for a collective action towards environmental sustainability.
“Diseases such as cholera, diarrhea, dysentery, typhoid, polio and malaria can all be prevented when we keep the environment clean at all times,” he said.
He mentioned that for over 67 years, it is enough to realise that the youth must step up and make things right and find ways to solve the problems that the country encounters.
“It is about time for the Ghanaian youth to build a sense of volunteerism and patriotism with devotion to the betterment of the motherland,” he stressed.
He expressed satisfaction in the message of volunteerism gradually catching up as many have lauded their efforts and supported in various ways.
Logistics, however, have been a huge challenge for the group as they have to work manually to execute very demanding projects.
“Aside the need for people to change their mindset and come on board, we depend heavily on our own strength and resources to carry out very demanding projects. We need machines to make it easier, rapid and more effective,” he said.
He, however, acknowledged individuals who make cash and kind donations to them on the streets, including former President John Dramani Mahama and Ghanaian musician, Shatta Wale.
Oheneba called on the youth to channel their energies into such ventures that would benefit future generations instead of being fixated on sharing sex leaks.
“The youth must focus on education, transportation and other social amenities. This is a call for all to come on board,” he stated.
In his opinion, the public must consider their responsibilities as citizens aside the rights they enjoy and stop littering the environment.
Leaders, he recommended, must enforce bye-laws on sanitation to serve as a deterrent to others while investing in people who protect the environment.
Going forward, the group will soon begin their ‘Lightening the streets’ initiative with a call on the public to donate towards the project to provide streets lights across the country.
“Let us revisit our patriotic song and arise as youth, for our country because the nation demands our devotion. Let us leave a good legacy for the next generation,” he stated.
By Michael D. Abayateye