Kumasi: Akufo-Addo, Otumfuo Commission Composting And Recycling Plant @ Adagya
President of the Republic together with his Royal Majesty, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, have commissioned composting and recycling plant at Adagya in the Ashanti Region.
According to His Excellency, the facility is another manifestation of the efforts by the government to encourage private sector’s participation in the provision of critical infrastructure.
Nana Owusu Achiaw reports, the Chairman of the ECOWAS hinted that, the compositing and recycling plant will help manage solid waste and improve sanitation in the country.
He noted that the state of the art waste management facility would have the capacity to process 1,200 metric tons of waste per day.
“It will have a restaurant, clinic, cafeteria, conference hall and lecture hall.” He said
According to Nana Akufo-Addo he is happy 7.5 km tarred road has been constructed from Adagya to the site and that the Jospong Group of Companies deserve commendations.
He noted that, it will enhance economic activities and reduce unemployment.
“It is gratifying to note that, this facility would create 800 direct and indirect job.” He said
He indicated that, plastics, papers, etc would be made available for the manufacturing center for reuse and organic materials would be used as manure and composite farmers who are engaged in Planting for Food and Jobs.
“Government remains committed to collaborate with the private sector to provide the next needed sanitation infrastructure and to manage solid waste.” President Nana Addo affirmed.
He said that the integrating compositing and recycling plant which has 90% recovery rate will boost the health of the environment and enhance tourism.
His Excellency noted that, the COVID-19 pandemic still exists and that Ghanaians should strictly adhere to the precautionary protocols.
According to him even though the current state of the disease is encouraging the country is not out of the world.
His Excellency commended Otumfuo for his kind gesture in giving out the land to construct the compositing and recycling plant facility at Adagya.
However, Mr. President made a passionate appeal to the Asantehene saying that he and the NPP need another four more years to do more.
Adding her voice, the Sanitation and Water Resources Minister, Hon. Cecelia Abena Dapaah noted that, she is highly elated to join the two prominent entity to commission this project.
She said that, improper waste management practices over the years has resulted in land fill site in the nooks and crannies of the towns and villages.
The Sanitation and Water Resources Minister said that, it has been reported by the Ghana Statistical Service that about 19,671 metric tons of waste are produced everyday.
She said that, the facility will serve as training grounds for the youth who can fit into the sanitation value change to create wealth for themselves.
Hon. Abena Dapaah noted that, the NPP government will continue to invest directly into sanitation.
She said, it is gratifying to noted that, the sanitation issue is so important to President Akufo-Addo hence the establishment of Sanitation and Water Resources.
She said that, results have been achieved in Sanitation including free water for Ghanaians for the past six months and government has extended it to the end of this year.
“The Ministry has enjoyed a very fruitful working relation with the Environmental Protection Agencies (EPA) led by the Zoomlion Group of Companies and will continue to work with the private sector to achieve the clean Ghana agenda,” she emphasized.
Hon. Abena Dapaah paid a tribute to His Royal Majesty for the support he has given to the Ministry and President Akufo-Addo.
She said that, President Akufo-Addo needs another four years to do more.
Dr. Siaw Agyapong, Chairman of the Zoomlion Group of Companies said that, the facility is one of its kind in Africa with the state of the art facility.
“As we commission this project I express my profound gratitude to President Akufo-Addo. This project is a true reflection of Ghana beyond aid agenda.”
He said that, the establishment of the project is the result of the confidence the President has in the private sector.
He indicated that, research has clearly established that, effective and efficient management of waste has enormous benefit to the society.
Mr. Agyapong added, it has also been shown that what we throw away can be reused.
According to him, Kumasi generates 1,500 metric tons of waste per day.
The Zoomlion Group of Companies Chairman heaped praises on Otumfuo for his immense support and counselling which has made the project a success.
He said that, the Asantehene followed the genesis of the construction to make sure that the project is on course.