Story by: Ishmael Barfi
Ghana has secured a significant boost in its efforts to transition towards a circular economy, with the Global Environmental Facility providing a $4.05 million grant to support plastic recycling initiatives.
The funding will be shared among 11 waste management companies, including Nelplast Eco Ltd, Universal Plastic Product & Recycling Ltd, to implement innovative solutions to tackle environmental challenges related to plastic waste.
The grant is expected to enhance recycling rates, promote economic growth, and create job opportunities in the recycling sector.
This was disclosed when the Minister for Environment, Environment, Science and Technology (MEST), Hon. Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, paid a working visit to some of these beneficiary companies.
Mr. Nelson Boateng explained the operations of Nelplast Eco Ltd to MEST Minister, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed
Visiting Nelpast Eco Ltd gave the Minister a first-hand experience of plastic waste processed and mixed with sand to mold bricks for all forms of construction.
Nelplast Eco Ltd, situated at Akatamanso I’m the Greater Accra Revion, is one of the eleven (11) companies to benefit from the grant to enable it to expand as well as continue to contribute to sustainable practices as the government aims to tackle the waste challenges in the country.
Another company to benefit is the Universal Plastic Product & Recycling Limited (UPPR) a subsidiary of the Jospong Group of Companies (JGC).
Universal Plastic Product & Recycling Ghana Ltd (UPPR) will receive $410,000 to acquire essential equipment for recycling PET bottles.
Interacting with the media, Glenn Kwabena Gyimah, Project Lead at UPPR emphasized the project’s potential to extend the company’s capacity and cover more materials.
According to him, the initiative is expected to create economic opportunities, especially for women who collect waste products for compensation.
Sector Minister being briefed on operations at UPPR during his working visit
On his part, the Minister of Environment, Science, and Technology, Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, expressed optimism about the project’s potential to reduce plastic waste in the country.
He, therefore, urged collaboration among agencies and institutions involved in plastic waste management.
Addressing Ghana’s Plastic Waste Challenge, Ghana currently processes only 10% of its plastic waste, contributing to environmental degradation.
However, the minister stressed the importance of extending assistance and grants to more organizations capable of effectively managing plastic waste.
“The project is a significant step towards addressing Ghana’s plastic waste challenge and promoting sustainable practices throughout the country”, he reiterated.
Ghana’s efforts to transition towards a circular economy serve as a model for other countries to follow.
The $4.05 million grant is a testament to the country’s commitment to reducing plastic waste and promoting sustainable practices.
As Ghana continues to make strides in its circular economy journey, it is likely to inspire other countries to follow suit.
The success of this project will depend on the effective collaboration among the beneficiary companies, government agencies, and other stakeholders.
The Minister of Environment, Science, and Technology, Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, emphasized the need for a collective effort to address the plastic waste challenge in Ghana.
With the $4.05 million grant, Ghana is poised to make significant progress in its transition towards a circular economy.
Source: www.thenewindependentonline.com
