By Juliet ETEFE
The Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology (MEST) has disbursed first tranche of grants to selected Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) under a US$7million project aimed at promoting a circular economy in the plastics sector.
The project, ‘Circular Economy Framework for the Plastics Sector in Ghana (CEF-PS)’, forms part of National Plastic Management Policy implementation which was developed and approved by Cabinet in 2020.
Beneficiaries
As such, MEST disbursed US$331,606 to 10 beneficiary SMEs – who have been selected following a call for proposals in 2020 and a rigorous selection process – to champion the pilot projects.
The SMEs included Coliba Waste Management Services Limited; McKingtorch Africa; Nelplast Eco Ghana Ltd.; Integrated Recycling and Compost Plant Limited (IRECOP)/ Zoomlion; Maintenance Sustainability Africa; Consortium (Asase); Consortium (Sesa); UPPR; Pure Home Water; and Consortium (City Waste Recycling).
Impact
The five-year project is expected to achieve significant environmental and economic outcomes, including creating 7,603 jobs.
Targets include preventing 13,000 tonnes of marine litter, collecting at least 93,000 tonnes of plastic waste, training more than 2,000 stakeholder and conducting 50 inspections by the EPA.
This initiative is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) as its implementing agency. MESTI in collaboration with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is leading the project’s execution.
Speaking at a ceremony to mark disbursement of the first tranche, Lydia Essuah, Coordinator of the CEF-PS Project, explained that the initiative provides targetted support to SMEs undertaking pilot projects to implement the country’s National Plastics Management Policy.
The project also supports the National Plastic Action Partnership and aligns with global goals to end marine plastic pollution and reduce the unintentional emissions of persistent organic pollutants.
Mrs. Essuah noted that the project is structured around four key components: establishing an enabling policy framework, building the capacity of SMEs, coordinating knowledge management and monitoring and evaluation.
She acknowledged initial delays in launching the project and releasing funds, but stressed the importance of keeping to agreed implementation timelines.
Most beneficiary SMEs are expected to complete their projects by December 2026, with the exception of Nelplast which will continue until June 2027.
She said a strong monitoring and evaluation system will be rolled out to track progress and ensure efficiency.
Budget
A total of US$4.35million has been allocated directly for SMEs to undertake pilot activities, with an additional US$500,000 set aside for technical assistance and training.
Other components of the budget include US$700,000 for regulatory support, US$800,000 for knowledge coordination and US$320,000 for monitoring.
Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, urged beneficiaries to use the funds for their intended purpose.
He assured them of the ministry’s commitment in supporting further funding opportunities to sustain momentum.
“You should be conscious that I will monitor to see how the money is utilised. You need to use the money on the purpose for which it is intended and I will take particular interest in the monitoring,” the minister said.
Ms. Muge Dolun, UNIDO Project Manager, in a speech read on her behalf reaffirmed UNIDO’s commitment to supporting the country in achieving its development and environmental objectives.
“You have been entrusted with the unique opportunity to demonstrate what is possible in advancing circular plastic solutions for Ghana. Your efforts and results will serve as a model for future circular initiatives and you have an opportunity to lead by example and make a lasting impact,” she told the SMEs.
