7,000 Jobs to Be Created as Ministry Releases Funds for Plastic Sector Circular Project

The Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI) has begun disbursing funds for the implementation of a $7 million project aimed at supporting Ghana’s transition to a circular economy in the plastic sector.

An initial amount of $331,000 has been disbursed to ten beneficiary Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to kick-start pilot projects expected to create approximately 7,000 jobs across the country.

The five-year project is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). Of the total project cost, $4.34 million has been earmarked specifically for SMEs to pilot initiatives that will advance Ghana’s circular economy framework.

Key components of the project include:

• Establishment of six community buy-back centers for plastic waste collection.

• Engagement of waste pickers to create job opportunities.

• Collection and recycling of 10 tonnes of plastic waste bags.

• Production of 3,457 tonnes of pavement blocks from recycled plastic waste.

The project is expected to prevent nearly 13,000 tonnes of marine litter, collect at least 93,000 tonnes of plastic waste, and train 2,000 stakeholders in circular economy practices and related expertise.

A circular economy is a sustainable model that focuses on reducing waste and pollution by keeping resources in use for as long as possible through reuse, recycling, and regeneration.

The beneficiary SMEs include Coliba Waste Management Services Limited, Mckingtorch Africa, Nelplast Eco Ghana Ltd, Integrated Recycling and Compost Plant Limited (IRECOP), Zoomlion Ghana Ltd, and Maintenance Sustainability Africa.

Speaking at the disbursement ceremony, Hon. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, urged the beneficiaries to use the funds strictly for their intended purposes. He also assured them of the Ministry’s commitment to supporting the sustainability of the project through continued access to funding opportunities.

“I don’t need a dollar from any of you, so be mindful that I will have my monitoring machinery in place to track how the funds are utilized. Make sure you use the funds for their intended purposes,” the Minister cautioned.

Ms. Muge Dolun, UNIDO Project Manager, highlighted the significance of the initiative, noting that it would help prevent plastic leakage into the environment, reduce marine litter, and decouple plastic production from fossil fuel feedstocks.

Mrs. Lydia Essuah, Coordinator of the CEF-PS Project, encouraged the SMEs to adhere strictly to project timelines to avoid delays in execution.

By Madjid Diallo || GhanaNewsOnline