Vice-President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia today marked a significant milestone in Ghana’s waste management sector by commissioning a state-of-the-art medical waste treatment facility in Kperisi, near Wa, in the Upper West Region. This facility, capable of processing over 500 kilograms of medical waste daily, underscores the government’s commitment to improving waste management capabilities across the nation.
Accompanied by a distinguished delegation that included Defense Minister Dominic Nitiwul, Minister of Chieftaincy Affairs Stephen Asamoah Boateng, Minister of State Ambrose Dery, former secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Kwabena Agyapong, Deputy Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources Amidu Issahaku Chinnia, and the Upper West and East Regional Ministers Stephen Yakubu and Dr. Hafiz Bin Salih, Dr. Bawumia highlighted the critical role of this facility in ensuring safe and effective medical waste disposal.
“The president’s vision has materialized with the completion of 10 Integrated Recycling and Compost Plants (IRECOPs) and seven medical waste plants, including the new facility in Wa,” Dr. Bawumia stated, highlighting President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s dedication to advancing waste management infrastructure across the country.
Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong, the executive chairman of the Jospong Group of Companies, expressed gratitude to all stakeholders, including government officials, traditional leaders, local contractors, and international partners such as Komptech GmbH and Ecosteryl. He emphasized the collaborative efforts required to achieve these milestones and thanked everyone for their unwavering support and dedication.
Ing. Senam Tengey, general manager of Medical Waste Limited, a Jospong Group member, also provided an overview of the advanced treatment processes utilized at the plant.
“The facility employs modern mechanical and biological treatment mechanisms to safely dispose of hazardous medical waste. A digital platform has been implemented, allowing healthcare facilities to request waste pickups via phone, ensuring efficient and timely service.”
Ing. Senam Tengey, General Manager of Medical Waste Limited
Ing. Tengey again highlighted the facility’s role in job creation, noting that it would engage several youths and spur development in the Upper West Region, particularly in the Kperisi community.
In addition, Sophie Malu, West Africa Area Sales Manager of Ecosteryl, commended Zoomlion’s commitment to creating a healthier and more sustainable future. She stressed the importance of collective responsibility in environmental protection and lauded Ecosteryl’s long-standing partnership with Zoomlion.
Reflecting on the achievements, Sophie Malu quoted Kahlil Gibran: “One may not reach the dawn save by the path of the night,” underscoring the resilience and dedication required to overcome challenges in waste management.
Moreover, Upper West Regional Minister, Mr. Stephen Yakubu, expressed gratitude to President Akufo-Addo and Zoomlion for their continuous efforts to improve the lives of Ghanaians, particularly in the Upper West Region. He highlighted the facility’s potential to attract eco-tourism and its contribution to research and job creation.
Deputy Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, Amidu Issahaku Chinnia, further emphasized the project’s role in providing sustainable employment for local communities and thanked the landowners for their support.
The newly commissioned plant is a comprehensive waste management facility combining recycling and composting, medical waste treatment, wastewater treatment, a research and tourism hub, and a waste recovery center. It is expected to generate significant employment opportunities, with 300 direct and 1,000 indirect jobs locally. Cumulatively, the ten facilities will create over 10,000 jobs in the plastics recycling and organic fertilizer sectors.
Additionally, the plants will serve as research and training centers for academic institutions such as the SD Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies (SD-UBDS) and various technical and educational colleges. This will provide hands-on learning experiences and foster innovation in waste management practices.
The commissioning of this facility marks a significant advancement in Ghana’s waste management infrastructure, promising a cleaner, more sustainable future for the Upper West Region and beyond.
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