Madam Ophelia Hayford with participants at the launch
The Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI) has inaugurated the Ghana Circular Economy Centre Project at the Ho Technical University.
The project aims to develop locally designed technologies and models that emphasise sustainable resource management and waste reduction.
The five-year initiative has a primary objective to enhance circular economy-based inclusive economic prosperity and low-carbon economy, particularly for women and youth in the country.
It is funded by the Global Affairs Canada (GAC), and complemented by “Establishing a Circular Economy Framework for the Plastics Sector in Ghana (CEF-PS)” project, which is executed by MESTI in collaboration with United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO).
The Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Ophelia Hayford, stated that the government has actively worked to shift the country from the linear economy of make-use-dispose to a circular economy which aims at significantly decreasing waste and pollution while prolonging the use of products within the production system.
The Minister indicated the government in March 2023, with the support of European Union developed the Circular Economy Action Plan with a focus on key priority economic sectors.
These priority areas include water, waste, plastics and packaging, food and agriculture.
Other priority areas include built environment, textiles, transport and mobility, mining and Information Communication Technology (ICT).
Madam Hayford indicated that transitioning to a circular economy will help the country generate green decent jobs, reduce inequality, minimise the impact of climate change on the environment, and provide the economy with a competitive advantage.
She acknowledged the selection of the Ho Technical University, a TVET institution with a hub of practical education and innovation in advancing the sustainable global development as the host institution for the Circular Economy Centre of Excellence and the other selected institutions that will lead the various value chains of the project.
The Vice-Chancellor of the Ho Technical University, Prof. Ben Hoenyenuga emphasised the importance of redefining circular economy concepts beyond mere recycling and waste management.
He indicated that the project will focus on key sectors, including plastics, textiles, and agriculture, while promoting environmental protection, community cohesion, and digital innovation.
The Vice-Chancellor called for collaboration with industry leaders to establish a circular economy innovation and business incubator, aimed at attracting young innovators and facilitating the commercialisation of sustainable technologies.
The Director and Head of Cooperation at the High Commission of Canada in Ghana, Kathleen Flynn-Dapaah, said the Center aims to raise awareness on circular economy while creating opportunities for entrepreneurs in the plastic, textile, and agriculture sectors.
The centre will also focuses on empowering women and youth, addressing the high youth unemployment rate in Ghana which stands at approximately 32.8%.
Ms. Flynn-Dapaah reiterated that supporting small-scale entrepreneurs through training and enhancing financial services will foster a more equitable and sustainable economy which aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 12 on responsible consumption and production, and SDG (13) on climate action.
By Daniel K. Orlando, Ho