Hon. Minister of MESTI, Ophelia Mensah-Hayford (MP), Inaugurated the Ghana Circular Economy Centre at Ho Technical University

23rd October 2024 – The Honorable Minister of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation (MESTI), Ophelia Mensah-Hayford (MP), officially inaugurated the Ghana Circular Economy Centre at the Ho Technical University. This landmark initiative was designed to support Ghana’s move towards a circular economy by minimizing waste and promoting efficient resource management.

The event was attended by several prominent figures, including the Chief Director of MESTI, Dr. Patrick Nomo; Director of Research, Statistics, and Information Management (RSIM), Mr. Cephas Adjei Mensah; Director of Procurement, Mr. Frank Van-Lare; and representatives from various directorates and agencies. Officials from the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) were also present, reflecting the international collaboration aimed at fostering circular economy practices in Ghana.

In her remarks, Hon. Ophelia Mensah-Hayford highlighted the critical role of the centre in advancing Ghana’s sustainability goals. “The Ghana Circular Economy Centre will serve as a catalyst for innovation, research, and policy development in waste reduction, resource conservation, and sustainable economic growth,” she said. She emphasized that the centre would not only benefit the environment but also boost job creation and enhance economic resilience.

The Ghana Circular Economy Centre is expected to serve as a hub for research, capacity-building, and policy advocacy, promoting the adoption of sustainable production and consumption practices. The centre will provide training, facilitate partnerships across sectors, and support industries in implementing eco-friendly solutions that contribute to national development.

Dr. Patrick Nomo praised the collaboration between MESTI and Ho Technical University, stating that it demonstrated the government’s commitment to integrating circular economy strategies into the national agenda. He expressed optimism that the centre would attract investment in green technologies and innovation, furthering Ghana’s progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Mr. Cephas Adjei Mensah, Director of RSIM, noted that the launch of the centre aligned with MESTI’s broader vision of transitioning to a sustainable and inclusive economy. He stressed the importance of data-driven research in shaping policies that will drive the circular economy agenda forward.

Following the inauguration, participants, including industry stakeholders, government officials, and development partners, toured the centre’s facilities. The tour showcased the centre’s potential to promote waste management, recycling, renewable energy, and sustainable product design, with the aim of addressing key environmental challenges.

The inauguration of the Ghana Circular Economy Centre represented a significant milestone in Ghana’s efforts to lead Africa’s transition to a circular economy, positioning the country at the forefront of sustainable development in the region.