An ultra-modern Integrated Recycling and Composting Plant has been inaugurated in Sefwi Wiaso in the Western North Region.
The plant will receive waste from Sefwi-Wiawso, Juaboso, Bodi, Bibiani Anhwiaso Bekwai and its environs, and process it into organic manure for agronomic purposes in the region; and also plastic pellets as raw material for industries.
Speaking at the commissioning, Mr. Michael Padi Tuwor, Managing Director-Accra Compost and Recycling Plant, said the project is in fulfillment of a promise made by the president of Ghana and the collective efforts of various stakeholders who have supported the project from its inception.
“Waste management challenges are not unique to our region or country, but are a global issue that demands a comprehensive approach; and with this facility, we are taking a significant step forward in tackling the problems,” Mr. Tuwor pointed out.
He said the core purpose of the facility is adding value to waste, and it is beneficial; adding that waste will no longer be collected indiscriminately. Instead, it will be sorted; and organic waste will be treated to provide compost for farming communities.
This, he explained, will contribute to environmental sustainability while providing valuable resources for agricultural purposes.
Mr. Tuwor encouraged the beneficiary communities to actively participate in segregating plastic waste from other waste.
He said: “This facility is not just a symbol of progress; it’s a reflection of Ghana’s commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by adopting environmentally sustainable practices, which will contribute to the global agenda of creating a better world for everyone”.
Mr. Tuwor mentioned facility promoting the creation of employment opportunities; serving as a recycling centre; generating revenue; serving as a learning centre for students; and reducing indiscriminate dumping, among others, as some of its benefits.
The Municipal Chief Executive for Wiawso Municipal Assembly, Mr. Louis Owusu-Agyapong, in a message on behalf of the Western North Regional Minister said the facility’s establishment aligns with Ghana’s commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (especially SDGs 6 and 9) and improving the people’s quality of life.
He noted that the region’s ever-growing population comes with its attendant waste management challenges due to the rapid urbanisation.
The Regional Minister lauded the project and was hopeful that the massive investment in the project will yield positive results for the region.
He was optimistic it will go a long way to improve air, water quality, and promote the well-being of people in the region while serving as a research laboratory and an ecotourism centre.
Ebusuapayin Nana Yaw Agyemang Badu, on behalf of the Paramount Chief of Wiawso, commended the president for creation of the Western North Region, since according to him the area had benefitted from various infrastructure developments, stressing that “Our struggle for a new region has not been in vain”.
He advised the youth who will be employed at the facility to be truthful and hard-working to justify their inclusion.
The plant, which is one of 16 being constructed across the country, has the capacity to create 300 direct jobs and about 500 indirect ones.
The facility has capacity to process 400 tonnes of solid waste a day.
The plant’s core function revolves around composting; enabling it to convert over 60% of the daily waste into high-quality compost for organic farming.
The Integrated Recycling and Composting Plant (IRECORP) is a subsidiary of the Jospong Group.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, in September 2020, cut the sod for the project’s construction to begin.
