Hon. Minister for MESTI Commissioned E-Waste Hand Over Center at Ghana Atomic Energy Commission
On October 25, 2024, the Honorable Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation (MESTI), Ophelia Mensah Hayford, officiated a sod-cutting ceremony to commission the new E-Waste Hand Over Center (HOC) at the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission in Accra. This event marked a significant milestone in Ghana’s efforts to address the challenges of electronic waste management and underscored the nation’s commitment to environmental sustainability, public health, and economic development.
During the ceremony, Hon. Mensah Hayford emphasized the importance of establishing dedicated facilities to safely dispose of electronic waste, which often contains hazardous materials such as lead, mercury, and cadmium. She explained that the E-Waste Hand Over Center represented an essential part of MESTI’s e-waste strategy, aimed at curbing the environmental and health risks posed by improper disposal. “The opening of this center is a clear statement of our dedication to tackling environmental degradation caused by unsafe e-waste practices,” she stated. “It is through initiatives like this that we protect our environment and public health while also fostering opportunities within the recycling industry.”
The HOC at the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission was designed as a centralized point where citizens could dispose of their electronic waste safely, allowing it to be collected, sorted, and processed by certified recycling entities. With this center, MESTI sought to encourage safe disposal practices, reduce environmental contamination, and promote the recycling of valuable materials, contributing to a circular economy.
Hon. Mensah Hayford also highlighted that this initiative aligned with the government’s broader strategy to create green jobs and reduce reliance on unsafe informal disposal methods, which often lead to environmental pollution and health hazards. She noted that the facility would support job creation in waste management and recycling, offering roles in collection, sorting, and transportation of electronic waste. This move was intended to support sustainable economic growth while promoting responsible waste management.
The facility’s launch attracted widespread support from stakeholders, including representatives from local and international waste management organizations. This backing underscored MESTI’s commitment to ensuring that the center would operate according to global best practices, prioritizing both environmental standards and the health and safety of those involved in waste handling.
In her concluding remarks, Hon. Mensah Hayford expressed optimism about the impact of the E-Waste Hand Over Center on Ghana’s environmental future. She remarked, “This center is a symbol of our commitment to a sustainable, greener Ghana. We look forward to seeing it become a model of environmental responsibility that will benefit future generations.”
By establishing the E-Waste Hand Over Center, MESTI demonstrated a proactive approach to environmental protection and a forward-thinking vision for a cleaner, healthier Ghana. The ministry encouraged all citizens, businesses, and institutions to use the center to safely dispose of unwanted electronics, contributing to a safer and more sustainable environment.