Western North gets integrated recycling and composting plant

An ultra-modern Integrated Recycling and Composting Plant has been commissioned 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 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 was 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 challenge is not unique to our region or country, but it’s a global issue that demands a comprehensive approach; and with this facility, we are taking a significant step forward tackling the problem," Mr. Tuwor pointed out.

He said the core purpose of the facility was to add value to waste, and it was beneficial, adding that waste would no longer be collected indiscriminately. Instead, it would be sorted, and organic waste would be treated to provide compost for farming communities.

That, he explained, would 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 the creation of employment opportunities, serving as recycling centers, generation of revenue, a learning center for students, and reducing indiscriminate dumping, among others, as some of the benefits of the plant.

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 establishment of the facility aligns with Ghana’s commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 6 and 9) and to improve upon the lives of the people.

He noted that the ever-growing population of the region comes with its attendant waste management challenges due to its rapid urbanization.

The Regional Minister, who lauded the project, was hopeful that the massive investment in the project would yield positive results for the region.

He was optimistic it would go a long way to improve air, water quality and promote the well-being of the people in the region while serving as a research laboratory and an ecotourism center.

Ebusuapayin Nana Yaw Agyemang Badu, on behalf of the Paramount Chief of Wiawso, commended the President for the creation of the Western North Region since, according to him, the area had benefited from various infrastructure developments, stressing that “our struggle for a new region has not been in vain.”

He advised the youth who would be employed at the facility to be truthful and hard-working to justify their inclusion.

The plant, which is one of the 16 plants being constructed across the country, has the capacity to create 300 direct jobs and about 500 indirect jobs.

The facility has the 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 construction of the project.