The minister among some of the beneficiaries
The Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology (MEST) has taken a significant step toward sustainable environmental practices with the disbursement of $331,606 to ten small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) under a $7 million project aimed at promoting a circular economy within Ghana’s plastic sector.
The funding is part of the broader Circular Economy Framework for the Plastics Sector in Ghana (CEF-PS), a five-year initiative designed to support the National Plastic Management Policy, which was approved by Cabinet in 2020.
The project is being implemented by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), with support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF).
In a keynote address delivered during the press visibility programme and first tranche disbursement ceremony, the Minister of Environment, Science and Technology, Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, emphasized the importance of rethinking plastic waste management as a pathway to job creation and environmental protection.
“The plastic waste crisis is one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time, but it is also an opportunity—an opportunity to turn waste into value, to create jobs, and to protect our environment through innovation and responsible resource management,” Murtala Muhammed said.
Highlighting the transformative potential of the circular economy model, the minister stressed that the government’s commitment to empowering SMEs is central to achieving a cleaner and more sustainable Ghana.
“This support is not just about growing businesses; it is about building a sustainable economy that benefits everyone—our people, our environment, and future generations,” he added.
The ten beneficiary SMEs include:
Coliba Waste Management Services Ltd
McKingtorch Africa
Nelplast Eco Ghana Ltd
Integrated Recycling and Compost Plant Ltd (IRECOP)/Zoomlion
Maintenance Sustainability Africa
Consortium (Asase)
Consortium (Sesa)
UPPR
Pure Home Water
Consortium (City Waste Recycling)
These SMEs will spearhead innovative plastic waste projects, including the establishment of six community buy-back centers, recycling initiatives targeting 10 tonnes of plastic waste bags, and the production of over 3,400 tonnes of pavement blocks from recycled plastics.
The initiative is expected to generate about 7,000 jobs, prevent over 13,000 tonnes of marine litter, and facilitate the collection of 93,000 tonnes of plastic waste.
It will also provide circular economy training to at least 2,000 stakeholders within the plastic sector.
While commending the beneficiary SMEs, Muhammed underscored the importance of accountability and strict adherence to project timelines.
“You need to use the money for the purpose for which it is intended, and I will take particular interest in the monitoring,” he said.
Lydia Essuah, Director of PPME and Project Coordinator for the CEF-PS, urged the SMEs to remain committed to deadlines, warning that delays could hamper the broader impact of the programme.
The circular economy approach seeks to minimize waste and pollution by keeping materials in use for as long as possible—an essential strategy for sustainable development and environmental resilience.
AM/KA
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