The visit was aimed at assessing the progress of facilities
The Minister of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation (MESTI), Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to sustainable waste management and job creation through the circular economy framework.
As part of efforts to understand and enhance ongoing projects in the sector, he embarked on a tour of major recycling facilities under the “Establishing a Circular Economy Framework for the Plastic Sector in Ghana” (CEF-PS) Project on March 3, 2025.
The minister visited Nelplast Eco (Katamanso, Ashaiman), Universal Plastic Products and Recycling Ltd (Tema Motorway, Borteyman), SEA Recycling Company (Trade Fair), and the Integrated Recycling and Compost Plant (IRECOP) Zoomlion (James Town).
The visit aimed to assess the progress of these facilities, understand their needs, and ensure that government support is directed towards impactful projects.
Speaking during the tour, Murtala Mohammed emphasized the importance of firsthand assessment before approving funds for recycling initiatives.
“As a new minister, I took the time to review the projects the ministry is executing and those yet to be finalized. I felt it was necessary to bring myself up to speed and develop an appreciation for these projects,” he stated.
He explained that his visit was crucial in ensuring that financial resources allocated to these recycling initiatives were being utilized effectively.
“If I need to approve hundreds of thousands of dollars for a project, I need to see the facilities firsthand. I want to be convinced that what I am approving is worthwhile. The structures I have seen so far are encouraging,” he added.
The minister also highlighted the employment potential of these recycling projects, expressing optimism about the number of jobs that could be created across the country.
“It is refreshing to hear that the plan is to have similar facilities in every region. I can only imagine the number of jobs that will be generated as a result. However, beyond job creation, we must also ensure that the incentives provided are sustainable and do not lead to challenges like those we faced with electronic waste management,” he noted.
AM/KA
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