Ghana has reaffirmed its leadership role in advancing sustainable development in West Africa as it hosts the three-day West Africa Regional Workshop on Waste Management and Circular Economy at the Alisa Hotel, Accra.

The high-level forum, convened by the United Nations Office for Sustainable Development (UNOSD) in partnership with the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, has brought together ministers, policymakers, development partners, private sector actors, and civil society representatives from across the sub-region. The workshop aims to bridge data gaps, enhance technical capacity, and drive evidence-based policymaking in the waste management and circular economy sector.

Welcoming participants, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs of Ghana, underscored the urgency of rethinking waste as a resource rather than a burden. He noted that rapid urbanisation, population growth, and shifting consumption patterns are stretching waste systems across West Africa.

“The challenge before us is not only how to dispose of waste safely, but how to transform waste into resources, opportunities, and drivers for sustainable development. For us in Ghana and across the sub-region, the goal is to build a waste sector that is not a burden, but a catalyst for sustainable development,” the Minister stressed.

He further highlighted Ghana’s designation as the West Africa Regional Hub for policy support on waste management and resource circularity, calling for frank, forward-looking deliberations that would yield practical recommendations for the sub-region.

Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo, Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Liberia, shared Liberia’s bold reforms under its 2024 National Solid Waste Management Policy. He cited innovative projects such as Green Guard Eco-Solution’s waste-to-energy systems and the Transformative Climate Action Pilot Project supported by Canada, which are creating jobs, producing clean energy, and generating reliable waste data. He emphasised the need for financing to scale such initiatives across the region.

Representing the UN, Mr. Chun Kyoo Park, Head of UNOSD, described waste management as one of the most pressing barriers to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He stressed the importance of reliable data and inclusive approaches, introducing the Waste Management and Circular Economy Policy Support System (WMPSS), which Ghana is championing as a regional model.

The Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Ghana, H.E. Mr. Kyongsig Park, reaffirmed Korea’s commitment to sharing knowledge and supporting West Africa’s transition to a circular economy. He acknowledged Ghana’s strides, including the National Plastics Management Policy and regional recycling initiatives, describing them as exemplary for the sub-region.

The workshop comes at a pivotal time, with only five years remaining to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Stakeholders will over the next three days deliberate on financing, policy, regulation, technology, and community engagement, with the aim of building waste systems that are resilient, inclusive, and sustainable.

Source: Darling Maame Efua Cann

Public Relations Unit, MLGCRA

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

The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, has commended Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, Madina, for its remarkable contributions to spiritual growth, education, and community development over the past six decades.

Speaking at the climax of the Church’s 60th Anniversary celebration on Sunday, the Minister, on behalf of His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana, extended heartfelt congratulations to the parish community for their enduring legacy of faith, service, and sacrifice since the church’s establishment in 1965.

“The role of the Church in national development cannot be overstated. Across the country, faith-based organisations, especially the Catholic Church, have made significant contributions to education, health care, moral guidance, peacebuilding, and community development,” Hon. Ibrahim noted.

The celebration, held under the theme “The Eucharist, Re-Evangelisation and the Youth”, was described by the Minister as both timely and profound, resonating with Ghana’s national priorities of spiritual renewal, responsible youth development, and communal peace.

He lauded the Church’s initiative to raise funds for an educational facility on its Abokobi land, describing it as aligned with government’s vision of promoting quality education. “This effort is commendable and supports the mission of raising future generations equipped with knowledge, values, and vision,” he added.

Reaffirming government’s commitment to empowering the youth, Hon. Ibrahim highlighted several programmes spearheaded under President Mahama, including the National Apprenticeship Programme, the Presidential Business Support Programme, the Greenhouse Initiative, the Student Entrepreneurship Initiative, and the Campus Business Pitch. He further revealed plans by his Ministry to implement 24-hour markets in Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), as part of the President’s 24-hour Economy initiative.

“These interventions are designed to ensure inclusivity, practical skills development, and sustained opportunities for our young people, while keeping the economy active around the clock,” he stressed.

Drawing inspiration from Colossians 3:23-24, the Minister reminded both government and religious leaders that true leadership is service rooted in love, compassion, and truth.

Hon. Ibrahim expressed appreciation to the Parish Priest, Very Rev. Fr. Anthony P. Didongo, SMA, the Planning Committee chaired by Prof. Akwesi Mensah-Bonsu, and the entire parish for their warm hospitality. He prayed for God’s continued blessings upon the Church, urging parishioners to remain steadfast in nurturing the youth as a bulwark against destructive influences.

“As you climax this year-long celebration, I pray that God continues to bless Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church with divine favour, spiritual growth, and impactful service to society. Congratulations, and Happy 60th Anniversary,” he concluded.

Source: Darling Maame Efua Cann

Public Relations Unit, MLGCRA