The recent ECOWAS Parliament session held in Winneba, Central Region, placed a significant focus on waste management challenges.
A notable highlight of the session was a visit to the Accra Compost and Recycling Plant (ACARP) in Adjen Kotoko, Accra, described as a crucial eye-opener for parliamentarians.
On July 31, 2024, lawmakers from the Committees on Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources, Energy and Mines, and Infrastructure, led by Mamadou Sako, Chairman of the Committee on Infrastructure, toured the state-of-the-art facility.
The visit aimed to showcase advanced waste management practices, particularly in recycling and processing.
Michael Padi Tuwor, Managing Director of ACARP, guided the delegation through the plant, which is renowned as West Africa’s first comprehensive waste sorting and composting facility.
The plant has a daily processing capacity of 600 metric tons and handles various urban wastes, converting them into reusable products such as organic manure, plastic pellets and recyclable materials like paper and metal.
Tuwor explained that while the plant processes a substantial amount of waste, some is still directed to landfills.
However, recent advancements have seen local companies start processing polyethylene terephthalate (PET), reducing reliance on exports. Additionally, about 7% to 11% of textiles and residual wastes are used to produce refuse-derived fuel for the energy and cement industries.
Tuwor also revealed plans to expand similar facilities across Ghana, with 12 out of 16 regions already equipped with plants, and the operation of a wastewater treatment facility with a 97-98% purification rate.
The visit provided legislators with practical insights into sustainable waste management strategies within the ECOWAS region.
The session concluded with a strong call for immediate action on plastic waste management.The one-week delocalized ECOWAS Parliament session ended with the adoption of a draft report urging member states to implement and harmonize regulations on plastic waste management.
The recommendations emphasize the need for standardized regulations on plastic products, including bans on specific single-use items like plastic bags and straws, and requirements for manufacturers to manage waste through collection, recycling, and disposal.
The report also calls for mandatory labeling of plastic products and rigorous environmental impact assessments for new products and facilities.
Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, Chairman of the Committee on Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources, led the session, which aimed to bolster awareness of ECOWAS strategies for environmental sustainability and plastic waste management.
Koffi Bernard, Director of Environment and Climate Change at the ECOWAS Commission, highlighted Africa’s growing contribution to global plastic pollution and urged increased international engagement on the issue.
The session concluded with a visit to a landfill and plastic treatment plant, providing further practical insights into innovative waste management strategies.
Hon. Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, the 3rd Deputy Speaker and host of the meeting, praised the collaborative efforts and expressed optimism that the shared experiences and strategies would drive effective plastic waste management across ECOWAS member states.
