An Ethiopian delegation led by Eng. Wondimu Seta, City Manager of Addis Ababa in the rank of Deputy Mayor, has paid a courtesy call on the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, to engage in discussions on sanitation and sustainable waste management across the value chain.
The visit forms part of Ethiopia’s efforts to strengthen its sanitation systems through a partnership with the Jospong Group of Companies, which is spearheading a major initiative to transform Addis Ababa into a cleaner and more resilient city. The delegation’s mission to Ghana was therefore to assess and verify the company’s expertise, capacity, and track record, particularly in infrastructure, equipment, and operational processes given its experience in delivering waste management solutions across several African countries.
Addressing the Minister, Eng. Wondimu Seta underscored the urgency of investing in modern waste management solutions, particularly in rapidly growing urban centres where population increase continues to exert pressure on sanitation systems. He commended Ghana for the strides it has made in the sector, praising the landmark interventions and innovative contributions of Ghanaian waste management companies.
“Population growth demands proper and efficient waste management across the entire sanitation value chain. Ghana has demonstrated that African countries can develop homegrown solutions of international standard. It is time Africans rely on African capacity,” he said.
The Minister, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, warmly welcomed the delegation and reaffirmed government’s pride in the accomplishments of local companies, whose expertise has positioned Ghana as a sanitation solutions hub on the continent. He emphasized that the achievement of the private sector has been key in driving progress, with Ghanaian companies standing out along the entire value chain. While highlighting these strides and landmark achievements, he stressed that more work remains to be done as a country and that there is always room for improvement.
He encouraged Ethiopia to remain steadfast in consolidating its sanitation gains, stressing that effective waste management is essential for maintaining the beauty and competitiveness of Addis Ababa’s tourism industry.
In closing, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim noted: “Sanitation is not the work of government alone. It is the result of deliberate collaboration between the state and a vibrant private sector. Our progress in Ghana is proof that when both sides play their roles with commitment and vision, the results can place Africa on the global stage.”
The meeting highlighted Ghana’s growing reputation in providing innovative sanitation solutions and reinforced the importance of regional cooperation in tackling Africa’s pressing urban challenges.
Source: Darling Maame Efua Cann
Public Relations Unit, MLGCRA