Ghanaian govt allocates US$7M grant to support SMEs in plastic waste management

GHANA – The Ghanaian government has announced a US$7 million grant initiative to support eight plastic recycling companies to enhance waste collection, recycling, and reuse.

The funding, facilitated through the Ministry of Environment, Science, and Technology, aims to strengthen the country’s circular economy by bolstering sustainable waste management practices.

Among the beneficiaries are Universal Plastic Products and Recycling Ghana (UPPR) Limited, a subsidiary of the Jospong Group of Companies, Integrated Recycling and Compost Plant Limited (IRECOP), Green Africa Youth Organisation (GAYO) Maternal Recovery Facility, and Nelplast Ghana Limited. 

During a recent visit to some of these recycling firms in Accra, Environment Minister Murtala Mohammed emphasized the urgency of scaling up recycling efforts to address Ghana’s persistent plastic waste crisis. 

“We look forward to expanding this grant assistance to more entities with the expertise to manage plastic waste. If we are only able to recycle 10%, what happens to the remaining 90%? They contribute to the environmental degradation and hazards we face,” Mohammed stated. 

Ghana’s plastic waste challenge

Ghana generates approximately 1.1 million metric tonnes of plastic waste annually, yet only about 10% is properly recycled.

The remaining 90% ends up in landfills, drainage systems, and water bodies, exacerbating environmental pollution and flooding risks, especially in urban centers like Accra and Kumasi.

Poor waste collection infrastructure, limited recycling capacity, and inadequate enforcement of waste management policies have made plastic pollution a growing concern.

The government’s latest initiative aligns with broader efforts to transition toward a circular economy, which would reduce dependency on virgin plastic and minimize waste accumulation.

Minister Mohammed stressed that recipient companies must prioritize job creation and community engagement to ensure long-term sustainability.

On March 3, 2025, he visited four recycling facilities to assess their preparedness for the funding, noting that, based on industry needs and performance, further expansion of financial assistance could be considered.

This initiative is part of Ghana’s broader commitment to environmental sustainability. It includes efforts to implement an extended producer responsibility (EPR) policy, which would require manufacturers to take greater accountability for the lifecycle of their plastic products. 

With increased investment and policy support, Ghana aims to improve plastic waste management, create economic opportunities within the recycling sector, and reduce environmental hazards linked to improper disposal.

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