Ghanaian food innovator Lydia Kekeli Amenyaglo has earned international acclaim as a 2025 Global Citizen Prize winner. She is recognized for her bold leadership in reshaping Ghana’s food systems through creativity, culture, and community-driven initiatives.
Championing Food and Identity in Ghana
As the Creative Director of the Ghana Food Movement (GFM), Lydia leads campaigns that celebrate local food and reconnect people with their cultural roots. At just 36, she’s redefining how food is viewed and experienced in Ghana. She doesn’t only promote eating local—she uses food to spark national pride and economic empowerment.
Her work with GFM unites chefs, farmers, and young creatives in a shared mission to transform Ghana’s food landscape.
Buy Ghana, Build Ghana: A Movement of Pride
Lydia’s latest initiative, Buy Ghana, Build Ghana, promotes the use of indigenous ingredients and encourages an “abundance mindset.” The campaign calls on Ghanaians to see local food not just as tradition, but as a key to building wealth and sustainable livelihoods.
Rethinking Cocoa with plentyplenty.africa
Through her personal project, plentyplenty.africa, Lydia blends regenerative farming with creativity. Her cocoa farm and studio aim to change how Ghanaians value cocoa. Instead of seeing it only as chocolate, she highlights its deep cultural and economic potential.
Global Recognition of African Innovation
Global Citizen, a leading advocacy group focused on ending extreme poverty, selected Lydia for her forward-thinking work in food transformation. According to Global Citizen President Liza Henshaw, the prize recognizes leaders who are “defending human rights, transforming food systems, and fighting for a brighter future.”
Upcoming Awards Ceremony
Lydia will be honored during Global Citizen NOW on April 30 in New York City. The event will gather global leaders across sectors to discuss urgent issues, from climate change to systemic inequality. Other awardees include young changemakers leading efforts in climate action, gender equality, and community development.