Stakeholder Awareness Workshop on Phase II of Pilot Projects for Plastic Waste Reduction in Ghana

On Wednesday, 27th November 2024, the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology & Innovation (MESTI), in collaboration with the Secretariat of the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm (BRS) Conventions, hosted a stakeholder awareness workshop at Monarch Hotel, East Legon, Accra. The event, funded by the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad), aimed to raise awareness and promote collaboration on the implementation of Phase II of pilot projects focused on addressing plastic waste in Ghana. The workshop brought together key stakeholders, including government agencies, local authorities, the private sector, NGOs, academic institutions, and members of the public, to engage in discussions on three innovative pilot projects: water vending machines, plastic-free schools, and edible and compostable packaging. These initiatives were designed to reduce plastic waste, promote sustainable alternatives, and align with global efforts under the Basel Convention to manage plastic waste more effectively.

During the workshop, participants were updated on the progress of Phase II of the pilot projects, with a particular focus on sustainable water dispensing solutions to reduce plastic bottle usage, creating plastic-free school environments, and advancing the use of biodegradable packaging alternatives. The objectives of the workshop were to engage stakeholders, share knowledge and experiences on managing plastic waste, and explore ways to scale up successful interventions. The workshop also aimed to build capacity among stakeholders, equipping them with the tools and knowledge to adopt more sustainable waste management practices.

The event underscored the urgent need to address plastic pollution, a growing environmental challenge in Ghana, contributing to marine litter, microplastics, and adverse effects on human and animal health. The pilot projects funded by Norad were part of a broader strategy to reduce plastic waste in the country and promote circular economy practices that aligned with the principles of the Basel Convention, which focuses on the environmentally sound management of hazardous wastes. By engaging stakeholders from multiple sectors, the workshop helped strengthen partnerships and fostered greater collaboration on these key initiatives.

As a result of the workshop, stakeholders left with a clearer understanding of the importance of transitioning to more sustainable waste management practices and reducing plastic waste through innovation and collaboration. MESTI and its partners remain committed to continuing the implementation of these pilot projects, with the goal of achieving a plastic-free Ghana and a more sustainable future for all. The efforts to manage plastic waste in Ghana are part of a global movement toward sustainability, and collective action will be essential for the successful achievement of these goals.