In a major initiative to combat the growing issue of plastic waste, the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (G.P.R.T.U.) has partnered with CorpNation Foundation to launch the 4R+ Project. The project will target ten major lorry stations in Takoradi, including the Accra, STC, Cape Coast, and Tarkwa stations. This initiative follows CorpNation’s successful waste management programs across the Western Region, which have already recovered over 9 tonnes of plastic waste, resulting in significant environmental benefits, such as a reduction of 26 tonnes of CO2 emissions.
The project launch, held on September 19th at the Tarkwa station in Takoradi, was chaired by Dr. Emmanuel Atta from Takoradi Technical University.
He emphasised the project’s goal to curb indiscriminate waste disposal at lorry stations, in commercial vehicles, and along travel routes, with a particular focus on plastic waste.
CorpNation’s Programmes Director, Mr. Anthony Botwe, outlined the scope of the project, which aims to cover 100 long buses, 1,000 mini buses and taxis, and over 50 towns and cities, including Accra, Kumasi, Tamale, and even Abidjan. He highlighted the severe environmental and health impacts of plastic waste, including its contribution to flooding, climate change, and harm to human health and aquatic life.
Representatives from each of the ten stations were presented with bins and sacks to facilitate waste segregation and collection, along with banners and stickers to raise awareness among drivers and passengers about the importance of tackling plastic waste.
The project also received support from local authorities and environmental agencies, including the EPA and the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly.
GPRTU Chairman, Mr. Solomon Brenin called on stakeholders for continued support, while CorpNation’s Executive Director, Mrs. Dorothy Okwaisie Adzika, was commended for her leadership in promoting environmental sustainability.