Kofi Ahenkorah Marfo, the Ranking Member of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Sanitation and Water Resources, has reiterated the committee’s commitment to increasing the percentage of plastic waste recycling in Ghana to at least 15% to 20%.
Currently, Ghana generates over 1 million metric tons of plastic waste annually, but only 2% to 5% of this waste is collected and recycled.
Many areas in the Ashanti Region, as well as the nation as a whole, are facing severe consequences due to this issue.
During a working visit to the Kumasi Compost and Recycling Plant (KCARP), Mr. Marfo noted that the committee will work diligently to improve recycling efforts.
“My committee will work hard to raise the recycling rate from the current 5% to about 15% or 20%,” he stated.
He further noted that with additional support, the Kumasi Compost and Recycling Plant could expand its operations and improve the recycling of municipal waste.
Mr. Marfo believes that if sufficient support is provided and similar plants are established in other urban areas, the recycling rate could potentially increase to 30% or 40%.
The Ranking Member also stressed the importance of fostering more private partnerships to enhance waste collection and recycling efforts.
“As a committee, we will do everything possible to either push Zoomlion to do more or to engage other private forces to address this situation,” he said.
Eugene Amo-Asamoah, the Business Development and Communications Manager of KCARP, indicated that the plant is the largest of its kind in Africa and is working tirelessly to minimize waste in the country.
He noted that plastic waste contributes to significant problems for communities, including flooding and the spread of diseases, and stated the need for more support to operate effectively.
KCARP has been actively collecting and processing waste in collaboration with local operators nationwide, but the company believes that government intervention is crucial for fostering its operations.
Mr. Amo-Asamoah pointed out that since Ghana generates over 1 million tons of plastic waste each year, the establishment of more facilities like KCARP would significantly help manage this challenge.
“In an annual bases, Ghana generates about a million tons of plastic waste, but only 2% to 5% of this waste is processed. If more facilities are built, they will continuously increase the quantities of plastic waste handled on a yearly bases, to reduce the effects or ill- impacts of plastic waste on the environment,” he explained.
The Kumasi Compost and Recycling Plant spans 180 acres in Adegya, Kumasi, and has the capacity to process 2,400 tons of waste.
It employs various technologies to receive, treat, and recover useful materials from waste, including compost, plastics, metals, and paper.
