IMPROVING PLASTIC MANAGEMENT IN ACCRA (GHANA)

Since 2016, Ghana has been in a growth dynamic that could, according to the international financial institutions (International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and African Development Bank) make it one of the leading countries in Africa, ahead of both Ethiopia and Ivory Coast in terms of economic growth (more than 8% growth in 2018). With over 30 million inhabitants and an estimated GDP of 54.9 billion EUR in 2018, Ghana has become a middle-income country. 

 

Ghana is making significant progress in sustainable development. It is one of the countries in sub-Saharan Africa to have a documented national climate change policy and an implementation plan for its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) effort as per the Paris Agreement (2016). As well as actions on climate changes, Ghana implements a larger environmental policy (development of sustainable energy, pollution control, resources protection, etc.).

 

 

Accra Pilot Project in Plastics Management

 

With a population of nearly 2.9 million, Accra is a rapidly growing capital, producing nearly 2,000 metric tons of waste each day, of which only an estimated 60% is collected. As a result, uncollected plastics obstruct the drainage systems, are burnt illegally, or end up in streams and the ocean.

In this context and in early 2018, the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development (DFID) decided to implement a pilot project to reduce Accra’s plastic pollution. This project would contribute to the objectives announced by the Global Plastics Action Partnership (GPAP) and intend to address shortcomings in the waste collection and management system, and to encourage investment in recycling and processing facilities. Seureca, the Veolia's consulting engineering division, has been assisting the DFID on partnerships development, facilitation, and to catalyze investments. Seureca has also provided technical support, innovations and recommendations for scaling up and duplication of this project.

 

 

In October 2019, Seureca participated in the launch of GPAP in Ghana

Ghana is the first African state to join the Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP). This was officially announced in Accra on October 1st at the kick-off meeting with Ghana's President Nana Akufo-Addo. After opening the conference, the President invited many local and international actors to take the floor and communicate their engagements and initiatives in the fight against plastic pollution.

On this occasion, Seureca presented its activities, in particular the project currently underway in Accra for better plastics management. Seureca's teams also used this opportunity to share their experiences during the various workshops held throughout the day.

Learn more about GPAPhttps://www.weforum.org/gpap

At the end of the project, Seureca will have helped the DFID and the Government of Ghana with:

  • The establishment of a pilot project for an innovative management of plastic waste in Accra, taking the international best practices into account and proposing a strategy for its execution and financing;

  • A close partnership created between the key actors, including the Government of Ghana, municipal authorities, industries, private companies, and investors;

  • The identification of a clear strategy and roadmap to accompany the implementation of legislative reforms, the development of a plastic waste collection and management system, and the necessary investments in a plastic waste management infrastructure.

  • Documentation of the experience gained from the installation of this project, to inform and assist the implementation of this approach in other countries and/or regions.