The Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI) has launched a pilot project aimed at establishing a circular economy within Ghana’s plastic sector. This initiative forms part of the Circular Economy Framework for the Plastic Sector (CEF-PS), under the broader National Plastic Management Policy.
With a financial commitment of $7 million from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the project is being implemented by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), with MESTI serving as the executing agency. Of the total funding, $4.35 million will be disbursed directly to 10 selected Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to support implementation activities.
The five-year project is expected to significantly reduce plastic pollution, with targets including the prevention of approximately 13,000 tonnes of marine litter, the collection of at least 93,000 kilograms of plastic waste, and the completion of 50 inspections by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Additionally, the project aims to generate about 746 direct jobs and over 9,000 indirect employment opportunities.
Speaking at the official launch, the Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Hon. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, urged beneficiary SMEs to utilize the funds responsibly to ensure the project achieves its objectives.
Representing Ms. Muge Dolun, UNIDO Project Manager, Mr. Joseph Yeboah, Strategic Partnership and Engagement Lead at UNIDO, called on stakeholders to execute the initiative with efficiency and diligence. He emphasized that the success of this pilot project could serve as a blueprint for future circular economy efforts in the region.
This initiative marks a significant step toward Ghana’s commitment to sustainable waste management and environmental preservation through innovative, inclusive, and circular economic approaches.
Ghana|Atinkaonline|Kwaku Sika