By Jones Anlimah
In a move towards sustainable waste management and environmental conservation, an Integrated Recycling And Compost Plant (IRECOP), has been inaugurated at Dambai in the Krachi East Municipality of the Oti region.
The state-of-the-art facility, built with cutting-edge technology, is aimed at addressing the growing waste management challenges faced by the region. The plant boasts an advanced recycling and composting system, which makes it a pioneer in the field of waste management in the country.
The Integrated Recycling And Compost Plant is equipped with state-of-the-art machinery capable of sorting and processing various types of waste materials, including plastics, paper, glass, and metal, which ensures that recyclable materials are reused efficiently. This will not only reduce strain on landfills in the region but also contribute to the conservation of natural resources.
The composting section of the plant also focuses on converting organic waste into nutrient-rich compost for use by farmers.
At a ceremony to inaugurate the 400-tonne-per day production capacity plant, the Chief Investment Officer of Jospong Group of Companies, Mr. Noah Gyimah, said the benefits of the plant go beyond waste management as it will significantly freduce the amount of waste sent to landfills, preserving valuable space, and also help minimise environmental impact while improving air and water quality to promote the well-being of people in the region.
According to him, the facility will also serve as a research and eco-tourism center, attracting researchers and visitors interested in sustainable waste management solutions.
“The Dambai Integrated Recycling and Compost Plant symbolizes Ghana’s commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. By adopting environmentally sustainable practices, we are contributing to the global agenda of creating a better world for everyone,” he said.
“I urge our community members to actively participate in segregating plastic waste from other waste streams. Soon, plastic waste will be treated separately, promoting value addition, recycling, and even export opportunities,” Mr Gyimah added.
The Director of Policy Planning, Maintenance, and Evaluation Unit of the Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources, Mr. Anthony Dzadzra, said the ministry is resolute to collaborate with relevant stakeholders in the provision of safe drinking water and enhanced sanitation services for Ghanaians.
“Government is aimed at making sure that waste does not really become waste but becomes wealth. So wealth in waste and that the ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources makes resolute to collaborate with all relevant stakeholders to ensure the vision of leaving no one behind in the provision of safe drinking water and enhanced sanitation services,” he noted.
The Oti Regional Minister, Mr. Joshua Makubu, said the region generates about 800 tons of waste daily, which makes the facility in the region an ideal one. He noted that the facility presents job opportunities, especially for the youth of the area, to take advantage of.
According to him, this development will foster a sense of pride and ownership within the community.
“I am much aware that we are going to create more than 1000 jobs and these jobs are going to be undertaken by our own brothers and sisters who in their own small way, are going to contribute to the local economy of the Krachi East Municipality, the Oti region, and for that matter, the Ghanaian economy,” he added.
“As it was indicated, waste will be collected from all over the region and brought in here to be treated. Out of this, compost and fertiliser will be created, which will support our farmers. We expect that these composts and fertilisers will come to our farmers at a cost that is lower than what they would have gotten from the market,” Mr Makubu opined.