The Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology, Hon. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, has reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring a clean environment by embarking on a tour of recycling plants in Accra. The purpose of the tour was to engage with private companies in the sector, understand their challenges, and explore ways to support their initiatives.
As part of the tour, media personnel were taken through various recycling facilities, including Nelplast Eco Ghana, Zoomlion’s recycling plants in Bortianor and Jamestown, and a waste management collection site in Labadi near the Trade Fair. These engagements highlighted the need for increased investment in the sector to tackle plastic waste and maintain a clean environment in Accra.
“As a new Minister, I want to focus on projects that are yet to be finalized. I felt it was important to personally visit these facilities to gain a better understanding of their operations and challenges. I have also indicated to members of my Ministry that I want to visit organizations seeking assistance from us,” Hon. Murtala stated.
He explained that the tour is part of a broader engagement strategy aimed at fostering circular development projects. “We have entered into arrangements to provide grants to some plastic waste management entities. However, I wanted to see firsthand what they do and understand why these funds need to be approved,” he added.
The Minister further revealed that the process of approving and disbursing these grants has already commenced. “We are currently at the stage where we need to approve and allocate these funds to support their work. This is the second facility we are visiting after starting this initiative last week. Out of eleven companies that applied for the grant, eight were identified as eligible beneficiaries. However, I have noticed that except for one in the Central Region, all the approved companies are based in Accra. This raises concerns about the absence of recycling plants in the Ashanti, Northern, Volta, and Eastern Regions,” he noted.
Hon. Murtala expressed optimism about the work being done in the sector and its potential to significantly reduce plastic waste in the country. “I am particularly encouraged by the innovative ways these companies are converting plastic waste into domestic and commercial products. This is a step in the right direction and deserves the full support of my Ministry.”
He emphasized the importance of ensuring that resources are effectively utilized. “My primary interest is how efficiently the allocated resources are used and how many jobs will be created for the youth. It is encouraging to learn that many Integrated Recycling & Compost Plants (IRECOP) will be established across all 16 regions of Ghana.”
“I can only imagine the number of jobs that will be created through these initiatives. While job creation is a priority, I also have a moral duty to ensure that the incentives provided to these companies are adequate and beneficial,” he concluded.
By Madjid Diallo || Ghana News Online