By Christabel DANSO ABEAM
The European Union (EU) in collaboration with Aliance to End Plastic Waste and ASASE Foundation have commissioned a 2,000 tones capacity cutting-edge plastic lumber factory at Weija Municipal Assembly in Accra.
This initiative being funded by the EU and the Alliance to End Plastic Waste, marks a significant step towards promoting sustainable practices and the reduction of plastic waste in Ghana.
The state-of-the-art plastic lumber factory is part of ASASE Foundation’s ‘Closing the loop of plastic packaging’ project, aimed at encouraging environmental sustainability, empowering women entrepreneurs and promoting a circular economy.
The factory’s operation will include collecting and processing plastic waste, shredding, washing and drying, and producing flakes and pallets for various applications.
According to Head of Cooperation – EU, Massimo Mina, the innovative project showcases the EU’s commitment to supporting Ghana’s Sustainable Development Goals. – He said, “This project will provide jobs for local women and men, reduce plastic waste in the oceans and landfills, promote sustainable practices in Ghana and empower women entrepreneurs through training and support.”
He further noted that, the initiative has encouraged education on the effects of plastic waste on the environment and also the benefits of recycling and reaffirmed the EU’s pledge to continuously advocate and support for sustainable practices.
Philippe Montagne, Regional Projects Director, Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) Project Director – Alliance to End Plastic Waste also attributed the successful deployment of the third recycling plant by ASASE Foundation to their limitless commitment towards addressing the plastic waste challenge in the country.
Mr. Montagne encouraged the Foundation and added that the Alliance is happy to assist the team anytime they are called on.
Managing Director – ASASE Foundation, Dana Mosora, also highlighted on the importance of partnership, saying; “We believe that the recipe to such success is finding good partners and building a powerful team to drive the project forward.”
Speaking on employment, Ms. Mosora noted that the plant is expected to create over thirty-eight jobs across its ware house, reprocessing lines and conversion line while stressing that majority of the employees will be women from the neighboring communities of Weija and Gbawe.
She also added that the employees will receive on-the-job training to operate machinery and develop relevant management skills necessary to run the plants.
“This initiative does not only support local employment but also empowers women, fostering economic growth and social development within the community,” she highlighted.
On behalf of the Municipal Assembly, Human Resource – Weija-Gbawe Municipal Assembly, Francis Atta-Wood expressed appreciation and pleaded that more of such developmental projects are established in the community to encourage employment especially for the youth.
About ASASE Foundation
It is a non-governmental organisation founded to provide a platform for the inspiration and empowering of women and beyond, by offering seed money, technical and business training to build their plastic waste reprocessing plant and manage it as a social enterprise.
About Alliance to End Plastic Waste
It is a global non-profit organisation with the mission to end plastic waste in the environment and to advance a circular economy for plastics
About EU
It is a group of 27 countries in Europe that work together to help build relationships among members and cooperate on important global issues such as trade, climate, human rights, waste management and environmental sustainability.
