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Toilet Waste Discharged into Aboabo Stream Poses Public Health Risk

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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Toilet waste from a public facility is being discharged directly into the Aboabo Stream, raising health alarms.

Officials from the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) uncovered the issue during a desilting exercise at Anloga Junction in Kumasi. They observed a pipe linked to the stream, which was discharging untreated toilet waste, leading to faecal contamination.

NADMO traced the source to a nearby public toilet facility. The discovery left officials shocked, considering the potential impact on community health and the environment.

The Aboabo Stream is already burdened with plastic, metal, and paper waste. The addition of faecal waste intensifies health threats and contributes to flooding in the area.

Toilet Waste Contamination of Stream Endangers Agriculture and Public Health

Some local farmers rely on water from the stream to irrigate their crops. The presence of faecal matter in toilet waste raises serious concerns about food safety and potential disease transmission.

Contaminated water used in irrigation could expose consumers to harmful pathogens. This situation highlights the urgent need for improved sanitation and waste management infrastructure in the municipality.

As part of their intervention, NADMO began desilting the Aboabo Stream to restore its flow and reduce flood risk. While working, officials discovered the pipe discharging toilet waste and immediately investigated.

Their findings confirmed that a public toilet facility was the source of the illegal discharge. The revelation underscores the need for tighter monitoring of sanitation facilities in urban areas.

Prince Ahmed Tijani Abubakar, NADMO’s Ashanti Regional Public Relations Officer, described the situation as alarming. He assured the public that corrective steps are being taken under the directive of the Regional Director.

Efforts are now focused on stopping the discharge of toilet waste and preventing further contamination. Authorities are also considering long-term measures to protect the stream and safeguard public health.

Illegal Mining Crackdown Unites MDF and Atwima Nwabiagya South Authorities

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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Illegal mining was the main focus during a recent working visit by Dr. Hanna Louisa Bissiw-Kotei, Administrator of the Minerals Development Fund (MDF), to Atwima Nwabiagya South in the Ashanti Region.

During her visit, she met with the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Hon. Wisdom Osei Boamah, to strategize on measures to curb galamsey activities. Dr. Bissiw-Kotei reaffirmed the government’s resolve, under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama, to eliminate illegal mining from affected communities.

She noted a disturbing trend: many individuals arrested for illegal mining are unemployed youth, manipulated by wealthy operators who remain hidden. This exploitation, she said, reflects a broader social and economic issue.

To address the challenge, Dr. Bissiw-Kotei announced the introduction of high-tech monitoring tools. These tools, including specialized software applications, will help detect and track unregulated mining operations in real-time.

Community-Led Strategy and Technological Innovation to Curb Illegal Mining

Hon. Wisdom Osei Boamah responded by revealing the formation of a dedicated task force within the municipality. This team will work to identify, confront, and shut down illegal mining sites operating within the area.

He emphasized the importance of active community involvement. Collaborative action between residents, local authorities, and national agencies is critical to achieving lasting results. According to Boamah, without grassroots participation, efforts to combat galamsey may fall short.

The partnership between MDF and local leadership marks a proactive approach to address both environmental degradation and public safety concerns linked to illegal mining.

Both officials agree that a long-term solution depends on consistent enforcement, technology use, and stakeholder collaboration. Together, they aim to not only stop galamsey but also ensure sustainable development for affected communities.

Zoomlion and KCARP educate school children on waste disposal

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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Zoomlion Company Limited, along with its subsidiaries within the Jospong Group of Companies, including the Kumasi Compost and Recycling Plant (KCARP), has reiterated its commitment to educating schoolchildren about proper waste segregation and disposal.

This project, called the Zoom Kids Clubs, seeks to effectively address the problem of indiscriminate refuse dumping by empowering children to take action now and in the future.

The initiative aims to change the narrative for the next generation in Ghana and across Africa by educating children about the consequences of improper waste management.

Students from various basic schools in Ghana are participating in this program, is designed to significantly improve garbage collection and disposal methods.

Speaking with Orange News, Eugene Amo-Asamoah, the Business Development and Communications Manager at KCARP, highlighted the importance of the initiative in enlightening children about waste management, including proper segregation techniques.

“This is to inculcate in them proper waste management, which involves proper sorting or waste separation, so that the plastics and other waste materials can be put to good use,” he noted.

Mr. Amo-Asamoah further explained that this innovative approach is crucial in addressing the country’s sanitation challenges.

Ghana has faced serious sanitation issues over the years, with waste, such as plastics, metals, and paper, cluttering streets, drains, and water bodies.

This situation prompted the reputable waste management company to implement the Zoom Kids Clubs initiative.

Launched over a decade ago, the program is being expanded from one region to another to mitigate the challenge.

In October 2015, then Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Nana Oye Lithur, commended the efforts of the Zoom Foundation to involve children in the campaign to clean up the country.

She noted that the foundation’s initiative is an excellent way to promote environmental sustainability and management.

Robert Dzato Champions Banking and Ethics Ahead of National Challenge

By
Ivy Hollys
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banking and ethics

The Chartered Institute of Bankers Ghana is set to host its National Banking and Ethics Challenge tomorrow as part of its mission to promote ethics, literacy, and trust in financial services. Speaking ahead of the event, the CEO of the Institute, Robert Dzato, emphasized the importance of banking and ethics in the country’s economic development and financial integrity.

Promoting Human Capital and Trust in Finance

Dzato explained that the Institute is not only mandated to promote banking education but also to regulate the banking profession in Ghana. “We exist to solve Africa’s human capital needs. We are trusted professionals,” Dzato stated.

He emphasized the institute’s commitment to developing trusted professionals for Ghana’s financial sector. The organization focuses on promoting banking education while regulating professional practice standards. Their mandate centers on putting ethics, sustainability, and professionalism at the forefront of banking operations

“For us, that means developing trusted professionals for the financial services sector, putting ethics, sustainability, and professionalism on the agenda of banks and bankers,”Dzato noted.

He highlighted recent developments, including banking sector reforms and fraud reports by the Bank of Ghana, which show a continued need to build resilience and public trust. He pointed out that banking and ethics are essential to restoring confidence in the financial system.

Dzato hinted on a concerning trend during visits to secondary schools across some regions in Ghana where students viewed betting as a legitimate investment strategy. He clarified that while betting may generate income, it is not considered an investment from a banking perspective.

He said, “Our younger brothers and sisters in those schools are betting, and they see betting as an investment. Well,betting may give you a source of income, but from a banker’s perspective, betting is not an investment. And if you look at our mandate, our mandate is to promote banking education, and so the responsibility falls to us to actually bring that knowledge.”

Dzato emphasized that banking fundamentally operates on trust as its primary currency. Trust is the currency in banking. Cash is the raw material that we use. And that trust comes from character, which is ethics, doing the right thing when no one is watching,” he stressed.

Highlighting the national banking and ethics challenge

The upcoming challenge aims to put a spotlight on banking and ethics, inspiring trust and strengthening public understanding. Dzato noted that ethical literacy and national banking education are key to building resilience in Ghana’s financial system.

The national banking and ethics challenge incorporates front-end banking operations. Mr. Dzato noted that questions will address practical scenarios that everyday bank customers encounter regularly, allowing participants to learn banking fundamentals.

He also emphasized the value of the competition for parents and students. He said, “You want to really have an informed position as a parent. You may have a son or a daughter who may decide to do banking.”

Dzato believes the National Banking and Ethics Challenge is not just about competition but about deepening national understanding of financial services. He described the competition as an opportunity to not only educate the general public but also inspire confidence and strengthen the resilience in the financial system.

Chairman Wontumi is missing; we’re searching for him- A/R NPP Com. Director

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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The Ashanti Regional Communication Director of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Paul Yandor, has announced that the party is urgently searching for its regional chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi, who has gone missing after visiting the EOCO office.

Chairman Wontumi was reportedly dramatically taken into custody by EOCO operatives immediately after leaving an interrogation at the CID Headquarters.

Following several hours of questioning, he fell ill and was subsequently transferred to a hospital.

Despite efforts from NPP executives at both the national and regional levels, they have been unable to locate him and are actively searching hospitals in an attempt to find him.

In an interview on the Orange Sunrise with Alfa Ali, Mr. Yandor expressed that the situation has become a source of frustration for the party.

“No family member of Chairman Wontumi knows where he is, and that is so bad. Is Chairman Wontumi now a family member of the police or EOCO?” He questioned.

The reasons behind the detention of the Ashanti Regional Chairman remain unclear.

Nonetheless, Paul Yandor expressed confidence that Chairman Wontumi would eventually be vindicated.

He suggested that the current actions against him are part of a deliberate strategy by the NDC to intimidate and harass members of the NPP.

Mr. Yandor urged all party members and Ghanaians to join in the fight against what he termed the “political witch-hunting” of NPP officials by the NDC.

Millennium Awards: Meet Eugene Amo-Asamoah, winner of the highest honour award

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
-

Eugene Amo-Asamoah, the Business Development and Communications Manager at the Kumasi Compost and Recycling Plant (KCARP), has been honoured with the Youth in Environment Award at the esteemed Millennium Excellence Awards.

The ceremony took place on May 9, 2025, at the Manhyia Palace and was organised by the Millennium Excellence Foundation, an NGO that recognises and rewards exceptional achievements across various fields.

His Royal Majesty Otumfour Osei Tutu II, Asantehene and Life Patron of the foundation, along with his distinguished Executive Board, presented this prestigious award to Eugene in recognition of his leadership and efforts in environmental and climate sustainability.

Throughout his career, Eugene has made pioneering contributions to waste management and recycling, promoting business growth and innovation within the industry.

He has implemented sustainable waste management projects in several communities, both nationally and internationally.

His leadership includes developing and executing comprehensive waste management plans for various institutions and organisations, as well as providing technical support to government agencies and private sector firms.

His commitment to environmental stewardship is displayed in his advocacy for regulated and environmentally compliant waste collection methods.

Eugene’s initiatives empower communities to remain clean while fostering economic growth.

He expressed deep gratitude to his team members who contributed to this achievement and stated the need for a collaborative effort to create a better environment for all.

“I am very humbled and honoured to receive the Highest Honour Award (Youth in Environment),” Eugene stated.

“My heartfelt thanks go to HRM Otumfour Osei Tutu II, Asantehene, and his distinguished Executive Board for this prestigious recognition. I would also like to extend my gratitude to the Executive Chairman of the Jospong Group, Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong, for his mentorship and guidance. Additionally, I want to thank my colleagues, team members, and staff for their various contributions to making this possible,” he said.

He added, “I also want to thank my wife and children for their unwavering support over the years. We all need to take responsibility for our environment, and I invite everyone to join me in the quest to make it a better place for all.”

This recognition serves as motivation for Eugene to continue his important work in environmental sustainability.

Millennium Awards: Eugene Amo-Asamoah Calls for Environmental Sustainability After Winning Top Honour

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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Eugene Amo-Asamoah Honoured for Championing Environmental Sustainability at Millennium Excellence Awards

Eugene Amo-Asamoah, an advocate for environmental sustainability, has called for urgent action to protect the planet following his recognition at the 2024 Millennium Excellence Awards held in May at the Manhyia Palace.

The Business Development and Communications Manager at Kumasi Compost and Recycling Plant (KCARP), Eugene received the prestigious Youth in Environment Award. The honour celebrates his outstanding contribution to environmental sustainability and climate resilience across Ghana and beyond.

The Millennium Excellence Foundation, known for recognising excellence across various sectors, presented the award. His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene and Life Patron of the foundation, together with the Executive Board, applauded Eugene’s leadership and dedication to environmental and climate advocacy.

Upon receiving the award, Eugene expressed deep gratitude to all who supported his journey, including Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong, Executive Chairman of the Jospong Group of Companies. He emphasized the importance of personal responsibility in advancing environmental sustainability.

“We all need to be responsible for our environment,” Eugene stated. “I invite everyone to join me in the effort to make our environment a better place for all.”

Leading Innovation in Environmental Sustainability and Stewardship

Eugene called on the government and key stakeholders to work together toward a cleaner, healthier environment. He underscored that collective effort remains crucial for lasting impact in environmental sustainability.

Throughout his career, Eugene has led numerous waste management and recycling initiatives that reflect his passion for innovation and sustainable growth. He has overseen the successful execution of community-based waste projects both locally and internationally.

His efforts include developing comprehensive waste management plans for institutions and organizations, along with technical guidance for both public and private sectors. Through these actions, Eugene has demonstrated his commitment to regulated and environmentally sound waste collection methods.

He further supports initiatives that empower communities while promoting environmental sustainability. These programs help ensure that cleaner environments also deliver economic benefits to the people.

Eugene concluded by thanking his team members at KCARP for their unwavering support, acknowledging that the achievement was a shared success.

This award highlights his enduring dedication to environmental sustainability and positions him as a leader in Ghana’s green transformation.

Our 100% Organic Compost Boosts Soil and Improves Yields – KCARP

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
-

Organic Compost from KCARP Boosts Crop Yields by Up to 50%

The Kumasi Compost and Recycling Plant (KCARP) has revealed that its 100% organic compost, Akuafo Agyenkwa, significantly improves soil structure and crop yields.

KCARP’s Business Development and Communications Manager, Eugene Amo-Asamoah, stated that research shows the organic compost increases yields by 30% to 50%.

 “What this means is that if you previously harvested about 100 bags, after applying the compost, you would get 130 or 150 bags in the subsequent season,” he explained.

A Sustainable and Versatile Soil Solution

According to Mr. Amo-Asamoah, the Akuafo Agyenkwa organic compost contains high organic matter that enhances soil fertility. It is suitable for all soil types and all categories of crops, offering a broad solution for farmers nationwide.

Another key advantage of the organic fertilizer is its high water retention capacity. This feature allows water to be absorbed by crops over longer periods, significantly reducing irrigation costs. “We refer to this compost as having a residual effect. This means that if you apply it now, the nutrients are gradually released over the years and remain in the soil,” he added.

Unlike chemical fertilizers, which deplete nutrients quickly, this organic compost leaves the soil enriched over time. Mr. Amo-Asamoah also emphasized that the compost supports beneficial soil organisms like earthworms, centipedes, and millipedes. These organisms improve soil structure and fertility, an essential factor for sustainable farming.

The Organic Compost is Cost-Effective and Environmentally Friendly

Mr. Amo-Asamoah explained that KCARP’s organic fertilizer is not only effective but also cost-efficient. A 50 kg bag of Akuafo Agyenkwa costs just GHS75, while chemical fertilizers range between GHS500 to GHS600. This price difference makes the organic compost an affordable alternative for smallholder farmers.

KCARP produces between 3,000 to 5,000 bags of the compost daily. The company encourages Ghanaian farmers to take advantage of this locally produced product to improve soil health and increase productivity.

In response to concerns raised by farmers about soil depletion caused by plastics and other waste, Mr. Amo-Asamoah noted that KCARP also offers solutions. Farmers are encouraged to retrieve plastic waste, which can be processed into the organic compost, helping to restore degraded soils.

“If you use the organic fertilizer, you can cultivate crops on the same land forever because the compost enriches the soil over time,” Mr. Amo-Asamoah stated. “Instead of spending money moving from one plot of land to another, you can remain on one parcel and grow your crops.”

With growing concerns over soil degradation and farming costs, KCARP’s organic fertilizer offers a viable path toward more sustainable and profitable agriculture.

A/R: KCARP supports NADMO’s desilting exercise

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
-

The Kumasi Compost and Recycling Plant (KCARP) has provided timely assistance to the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) in the Ashanti Region as part of its extensive desilting initiative.

This project aims to clear debris and dredge approximately 17 flood-prone areas within the Greater Kumasi enclave ahead of the rainy season, a proactive measure to mitigate flooding in the city.

Launched on May 21, the initiative has already seen desilting exercises in several locations, including Airport Roundabout, Anloga Junction, Pelele, and Parkoso.

KCARP, widely known as the largest recycling plant in Africa, is committed to protecting lives and property while safeguarding the environment through sustainable solutions.

Understanding the devastating impact of flooding on communities, the company believed that, it was prudent to contribute to this project to prevent such disasters.

Eugene Amo-Asamoah, the Business Development and Communications Manager at KCARP, noted that, many drains are not only obstructed by debris but are also clogged with plastics, metals, and paper, exacerbating the flooding issue.

He explained that KCARP offered to receive, segregate, and process the debris removed from the drains, as NADMO did not have an appropriate place to channel the waste.

“As a waste management company, we thought it was prudent to partner with NADMO to ensure that after desilting, there is a proper channel for the debris,” he stated in an interview with Orange News regarding the initiative.

Mr. Amo-Asamoah also pointed out that, with their state-of-the-art technological systems, the waste will not merely be discarded but will undergo proper processing.

The initiative is already underway, with tipper trucks delivering mixed waste that must be sorted before proceeding to the recycling process.

Mr. Amo-Asamoah expressed KCARP’s commitment to supporting such important initiatives.

Mohammed Nashir Ibrahim, the Ashanti Regional Director of NADMO, commended KCARP for its support, noting that it will significantly enhance their efforts.

He urged other organizations to follow KCARP’s example to help drastically reduce flooding-related disasters in the region.

KCARP considers expanding to Bekwai

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
-

The residents of Bekwai and its surrounding areas will soon find relief from waste management challenges, as the Kumasi Compost and Recycling Plant (KCARP) has initiated feasibility studies to establish a mini-processing plant in the area.

The research is expected to conclude within a month, paving the way for this much-needed project.

The Member of Parliament for Bekwai, Lawyer Ralp Poku Adusei, played a crucial role in facilitating collaborative efforts for this initiative.

He proposed the idea to the management of KCARP during a visit by Ghana’s Parliamentary Select Committee on Sanitation and Water Resources to the company in April.

As the Deputy Ranking Member, his aim was to extend their services to his constituency.

A meeting was subsequently arranged between officials from the recycling plant, led by Business Development and Communications Manager, Mr. Eugene Amo-Asamoah, the Member of Parliament, and the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Bekwai, Salifu Issaka.

The goal was to explore solutions to the waste management issues in the area.

The discussions were fruitful, and KCARP is now actively engaged in data collection to ensure the viability of the initiative.

Eugene Amo-Asamoah stated that as part of their engagement, they visited several communities to assess waste generation levels and to properly characterize the types of waste produced daily.

This information will help determine whether to establish a transfer station or a mini-recycling plant.

Neighbouring areas, including Fomena and Jacobu, will also benefit from the project once completed.

“It was a holistic discussion, and we visited key waste generation points, as well as the land earmarked for the project. The MP, the MCE, and all stakeholders were pleased with our visit. We still have a team on the ground collecting primary and secondary data from stakeholders and technical experts,” he indicated.

KCARP, the largest facility in Africa, is generally operating within the Greater Kumasi enclave.

However, this proposed expansion will significantly alleviate the waste challenges faced by residents in the area.

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