The Ghana Plastic Recyclers Association has called on the government to establish a dedicated industrial plastic recycling hub to strengthen the operations of industry players, create jobs and help address the country’s growing plastic waste challenge.
The Association said plastic recyclers play a significant role in reducing environmental pollution by collecting and processing discarded plastics into reusable materials.
However, operators continue to face major challenges, particularly the lack of permanent locations and adequate infrastructure to support their activities.
The Secretary of the Ghana Plastic Recyclers Association, Ibrahim Alico, has urged the government to prioritise the establishment of the proposed industrial hub as part of broader efforts to promote environmental sustainability and improve plastic waste management.
According to the Association, a dedicated industrial enclave would provide recyclers with the space and facilities needed to expand their operations, improve efficiency and increase their contribution to the circular economy.
Plastic waste remains a major environmental concern. Ghana continues to grapple with plastic pollution, driven largely by single-use products such as sachet water plastics, PET bottles and food packaging.
Large quantities of discarded plastics end up in landfills, open spaces, drains and water bodies, contributing to environmental degradation and worsening flooding during the rainy season.
The open burning of plastic waste also releases harmful fumes that pose risks to human health and the environment.
In response to the challenge, members of the National Artisans and Traders Union of Ghana and plastic recycling operators are working to change the narrative by collecting discarded plastics and converting them into reusable materials.
Despite these efforts, the industry says its contribution to environmental protection and employment creation is constrained by inadequate operational space and limited infrastructure.
Recyclers Seek Government Support
The President of the National Artisans and Traders Union of Ghana, Alhaji Sulemana has appealed to the government to support the sector through the establishment of a dedicated recycling hub.
He believes the initiative would create a more conducive environment for operators to conduct their businesses, expand recycling activities and contribute more effectively to Ghana’s environmental and economic development.
The Association maintains that the lack of permanent locations remains a major obstacle for operators, despite the sector’s role in reducing plastic pollution and providing employment opportunities, particularly for young people.
It is therefore calling for targeted government intervention to address the infrastructural challenges facing the industry and enable recycling businesses to operate sustainably.
The proposed hub, according to the Association, could strengthen Ghana’s plastic recycling value chain, create additional jobs and improve the recovery and reuse of plastic materials.
The Association is hopeful that government support will help unlock the sector’s potential and position plastic recycling as a stronger contributor to environmental sustainability and job creation.
By Kingsley Amakye
