Story by Doreen Ampofo
Stakeholders in the agriculture and climate change sectors are pushing for investment in a circular economy to reduce agricultural waste, curb post-harvest losses, and create jobs. They indicate that Ghana stands to gain millions of cedis annually should the solution receive the right attention from government. These came to light at a consultative workshop organized by the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) to identify priorities and initiatives that will shape Ghana’s circular economy agenda.
The workshop comes at a time when rapid urbanisation, climate pressures, and increasing waste management challenges are reshaping Ghana’s landscape. Despite the agri-food system being one of the strongest avenues for climate-smart, sustainable, and inclusive economic growth, it remains at the mercy of climate vulnerability and poor waste management practices.
Experts believe investing in a circular economy, which involves transforming waste into valuable resources—such as using manure for fertilizer or food scraps for compost—will improve resource efficiency and create a more sustainable, resilient, and profitable food system.
The Consultative Workshop on “Strengthening Ghana’s Circular Economy Innovation Ecosystem for Climate-Resilient Agriculture” brought together leading researchers, innovators, policymakers, and investors to explore how Ghana can take advantage of circular economy solutions to drive growth in the agricultural sector.
In a presentation, the Sub-Division Lead for Water, Sanitation and Environment at the Ghana Institute of Surveyors, Ing. Dr. Bertha Darteh, explained that to derive maximum benefit from the circular economy, waste segregation policies must be fully implemented.
She added that “circular economy solutions and innovations would ensure the resilience of farmers in the face of climate change impacts. It would also help equip the farmers in having a more sustainable livelihood.”
Dr. Bertha Darteh mentioned that agricultural wastes—including maize cobs, rice husks and straws, among others—which run into millions of tonnes, could serve as raw materials for the circular economy.
Country Representative for the International Water Management Institute, Prof. Kehinde Ogunjobi, hoped ideas shared would position farmers to attract investment. He indicated that participants would, among others, proffer solutions that would help position farmers in Ghana to attract meaningful investments.
“The outcomes would, therefore, guide the creation of the Circular Economy for a Ghana ‘Innovation Challenge’ programme, which would identify, support, and scale science-driven circular solutions that strengthen agricultural productivity and safeguard resources and the environment.”
Senior Manager, Partnerships and Innovative Finance at the Alliance of Biodiversity International and CIAT, Dr. Gianpiere Menza, said more than 20 models to transform waste and wastewater have been developed and tested.
He noted that “with about 51 per cent of Ghana’s population working in the agriculture sector and about 57 per cent of its population having access to the internet, the nation was well placed to become an agric-tech country, serving as a role model to its peers.”
Present at the workshop were the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Environmental Protection Authority, Mr. Jacob Paarachuga Anankware; Country Manager, AfDB, Mrs. Eyerusalem Fasika; and Innovation Hub Coordinator, IWMI, Madam Dzifa Agbefu. Other participants included civil society, academia, and researchers.
Outcomes of the workshop will guide the creation of the Circular Economy for Ghana Innovation Challenge programme, which will identify, support, and scale science-driven circular solutions that will improve agricultural productivity as well as protect resources and the environment.
