The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey(MP) has urged delegates of the Africa Group Deep Seabed Mining Policy Workshop to come out with policies that would help regulate the exploitation of marine resources as well as preserve the marine environment  for  future generations.

Hon. Ayorkor Botchwey, in her address at the opening ceremony for a two day workshop which was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration in Accra, from 30^th to 31^st January 2019, commended the Africa Group Member States for the workshop.

The workshop was aimed at building the capacity of African experts for effective deliberations at the first part of the 25^th Session of the International Seabed Authority (ISA). The 25^th Session would focus on the draft exploitation regulations and would be held from the 25^th February 2019 to 1^st March 2019, in Kingston, Jamaica.

The Minister indicated that meaningful inputs for the negotiations at the International Seabed Authority would help to develop legal instruments for the governance and other aspects of deep seabed mining. She urged the delegates to show commitment to the issues and make contributions that would serve as reference points for the effective and efficient exploitation and management of marine resources and environment.

She indicated that part of Ghana’s foreign policy objectives was to seek the establishment of a just and equitable international and social order for all manner of persons, and for which reason the country had been interested in the activities of the Seabed Authority since its inception.

Hon Botchwey added that Ghana was interested in the current negotiations to protect the maritime space beyond national jurisdiction because “issues pertaining to the protection of our oceans are now taking centre stage globally as a result of the threats posed to the oceans, a major source of economic survival”.

She further implored Africa to position itself to benefit from international protocols and regimes that the various African governments subscribe to through treaties, conventions and agreements.

She commended the African Minerals Development Centre, the Pew Charitable Trusts, RESOLVE and the Commonwealth Secretariat for their invaluable support and sponsorship towards the organization of the workshop which was attended by 50 delegates from 26 countries.

The Minister also expressed gratitude for the support given to Nii Allotey Odunton, during his tenure as the Secretary-General of the International Seabed Authority and a proposal to name a Museum after him.

Ghana’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, Her Excellency Mrs. Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee, in her address, acknowledged the importance of the workshop in helping to identify issues essential for the deliberations at the forthcoming 25^th Session of the International Seabed Authority.

The post AFRICA GROUP DEEP SEABED MINING POLICY WORKSHOP HELD first appeared on Nurture Nature Foundation.

Happy World Water Day 2025!

At Nurture Nature Foundation, we recognize the vital role water plays in our daily lives. Access to clean water is a fundamental human right, yet millions of people across Africa still face water scarcity and insecurity.

Let’s work together to address the water crisis and ensure everyone can access safe and clean drinking water. Please share with us your thoughts on how we can make a difference!

Credit: CCLG-AFRICA

The post NNF Encourages Water Safety For All first appeared on Nurture Nature Foundation.

The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah has urged all Ghanaians to participate in tree planting efforts to enhance biodiversity and combat climate change.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday, March 21, the Ellembelle MP emphasized that “Every tree planted is a significant step towards a greener and more sustainable future. Let’s make Ghana green.”

The call aligns with the ‘Tree for Life Reforestation Initiative’, which was launched at Nkawie in the Ashanti Region on Friday.

The initiative seeks to restore degraded lands, promote tree planting, and foster environmental sustainability and conservation.

The Tree for Life initiative fulfills a key pledge outlined in President Mahama’s 120-day Social Contract with the people of Ghana.

Speaking at the launch, President John Dramani Mahama reiterated his directive barring his appointees from engaging in any form of mining.

“I have directed that no government appointee at any level should engage in any form of legal or illegal mining. If you want to be a miner, leave the government and go and be a miner,” he declared.

He bemoaned the impact of illegal mining ( galamsey ) on the country’s environment, stating, “Farmers are losing their farmlands, rivers are turning brown and toxic with pollution, and entire communities are being affected.”

The post NNF Applauds Participation in Tree Planting To Enhance Biodiversity first appeared on Nurture Nature Foundation.

By Samuel OWUSU-ADUOMI

The concept of a green economy is no longer just an environmental ideal; it has become a necessity for sustainable development, particularly in emerging economies like Ghana.

The Nurture Nature Foundation (NNF) is at the forefront of driving this transition, focusing on integrating sustainability into economic growth while empowering marginalised communities, particularly youth and women.

By investing in sustainable agricultural practices, climate change mitigation, food security, and incentivizing urban-to-rural migration, NNF aims to create a resilient and equitable green economy.

Empowering youth and women in agriculture

Agriculture remains the backbone of Ghana’s economy, yet many young people view it as an unattractive career path. Additionally, women, who constitute a significant percentage of agricultural labor, often lack access to resources and training. To address these challenges, NNF has launched various programs aimed at making agriculture both profitable and sustainable for youth and women.

Key initiatives:

• Skill development and training: NNF organises workshops on modern farming techniques, agro-processing and agribusiness management tailored to young people and women. These programmes emphasise the importance of sustainable practices, equipping participants with the necessary skills to enhance productivity and profitability.
• Access to land and financing: By partnering with financial institutions, NNF facilitates microloans and land acquisition opportunities to help youth and women establish farms. Ensuring financial inclusion in agriculture is crucial for breaking the cycle of poverty and promoting self-sufficiency.
• Technology integration: NNF promotes the use of smart agricultural technologies – such as precision farming, climate-smart irrigation systems, and organic fertilizers – to increase yields while minimizing environmental impact. Digital tools are also introduced to enhance market accessibility and farm management.

Encouraging youth and women to engage in sustainable agriculture not only enhances their economic prospects but also contributes to environmental conservation and food security. This approach helps shift the perception of agriculture from a subsistence activity to a lucrative and innovative sector.

“A truly sustainable future depends on our ability to harness nature’s resources responsibly while empowering our communities. The transition to a green economy is not an option—it is imperative for our survival and progress. We must equip our youth and women with the tools, knowledge, and opportunities to lead this transformation. By investing in sustainable practices, renewable energy, and ecological preservation, we secure not only our environment but also our economy and collective future. The time to act is now, and the Nurture Nature Foundation is committed to leading this charge.” — Peter Asiedu, Executive Director, Nurture Nature Foundation.

Climate change mitigation as a cornerstone of the green economy

Climate change poses a significant threat to Ghana’s agricultural sector, with erratic rainfall, desertification, and extreme weather patterns affecting crop yields. NNF emphasizes climate resilience through proactive and sustainable interventions, ensuring that agricultural communities can adapt to and mitigate climate-related risks.

NNF’s climate action strategies:

• Agroforestry initiatives: Planting trees on farmland to improve soil fertility, combat desertification and sequester carbon. This practice not only enhances land productivity but also contributes to the restoration of degraded landscapes.
• Renewable energy adoption: Encouraging the use of solar-powered irrigation systems and biogas energy for agricultural and household use. By integrating renewable energy solutions, farmers can reduce reliance on fossil fuels and cut operational costs.
• Sustainable water management: Implementing rainwater harvesting and drip irrigation techniques to ensure efficient water use. These techniques help conserve water resources and mitigate the impact of prolonged dry spells on food production.

These strategies not only protect natural ecosystems but also create opportunities for green jobs, further solidifying the transition to a green economy. NNF’s approach ensures that local communities are at the center of climate action, fostering resilience and sustainability.

Enhancing food security through sustainable practices

With a rapidly growing population, Ghana must adopt innovative approaches to ensure food security. Unsustainable farming practices, post-harvest losses, and reliance on imported food threaten national food sufficiency. NNF champions regenerative agriculture to boost local food production sustainably, reducing external dependencies.

NNF’s food security approach:

• Organic and climate-smart agriculture: Reducing dependence on chemical fertilizers and pesticides while promoting Indigenous farming knowledge. These techniques improve soil health, enhance biodiversity, and increase the nutritional value of food products.
• Value addition: Supporting agro-processing businesses to reduce post-harvest losses and enhance food storage. By processing raw agricultural products into finished goods, farmers can increase their earnings and contribute to the local economy.
• Local market strengthening: Encouraging farm-to-market linkages to reduce food wastage and improve farmer earnings. Establishing direct distribution networks allows small-scale farmers to access markets more efficiently, reducing exploitation by middlemen.

Through these initiatives, NNF is helping to ensure that Ghana’s food production is both resilient and sufficient for future generations. Sustainable food systems are crucial in building a green economy that prioritizes both economic prosperity and ecological balance.

Promoting urban-to-rural migration to drive the green economy

One of the critical barriers to agricultural sustainability is rural-urban migration, where young people move to cities in search of opportunities, leaving behind aging rural populations. NNF is actively working to reverse this trend by making rural agriculture an attractive and viable economic path.

Encouraging youth to return to agriculture:

• Agricultural incubation hubs: Establishing innovation centers in rural areas where young entrepreneurs can receive mentorship, technical assistance, and access to modern farming techniques. These hubs create a collaborative environment where innovative agricultural solutions can be developed and scaled.
• Incentives for rural farming: Providing financial grants, farming equipment, and market access to make rural agricultural ventures more competitive. When rural economies are strong, they become attractive destinations for young professionals seeking stable livelihoods.
• Community development projects: Investing in rural infrastructure such as schools, healthcare, and technology access to improve the quality of life in farming communities. A well-developed rural environment ensures that young people see long-term prospects in agriculture and related industries.

By making rural livelihoods sustainable and prosperous, NNF envisions a scenario where young people willingly migrate back to rural areas, contributing to agricultural innovation and economic growth. This shift is essential in ensuring long-term sustainability and balancing urban development with rural regeneration.

Conclusion

The transition to a green economy is not just an environmental movement; it is a strategic imperative for economic resilience and sustainable development. Through targeted initiatives in youth and women’s empowerment, climate change mitigation, food security, and reversing rural-urban migration trends, the Nurture Nature Foundation is playing a pivotal role in shaping Ghana’s green economy.

By embracing these sustainable strategies, Ghana can build a robust economic model that balances environmental conservation with prosperity, ensuring a greener and more equitable future for all. As NNF continues to champion these efforts, the dream of a sustainable, inclusive, and thriving green economy in Ghana moves closer to reality.

The post The role of Nurture Nature Foundation in advancing a green economy first appeared on Nurture Nature Foundation.

Ghana’s coastal communities continue to face a deepening humanitarian crisis as rising tidal waves displace families, destroy homes, and threaten livelihoods.

In response, the Coastal Civil Society Forum (CCF) Coordinator, Noble Wadzah visited affected communities to express solidarity and to clarify the role of the West Africa Coastal Areas (WACA) Resilient Investment Project II (ResIP II) in tackling coastal erosion and resilience-building.

CCF members listened to the concerns of displaced residents, many of whom have lost everything to the unrelenting tidal waves.

The Forum assured them that while WACA is actively working to mitigate coastal challenges, its interventions are structured, long-term, and focused on sustainable coastal resilience rather than short-term emergency relief.

“Our presence here today is to stand in solidarity with the affected communities. We recognize their pain and the urgent need for interventions However, it is important to understand that WACA is a committed structured approach to coastal resilience, including nature-based solutions such as sand dunes and mangrove restoration for erosion, flooding, and pollution controls,” said Noble Wadzah, CCF Coordinator.

While some residents had hoped for immediate interventions, the CCF coordinator clarified that the responsibility for immediate humanitarian relief and intervention lies with the Government of Ghana.

The Forum urged the government to act swiftly to address the immediate needs of displaced families while WACA’s long-term efforts, which are being put in place to price

He emphasized that WACA’s role is not reactionary but part of a broader, long-term strategy

The Forum pointed to successful coastal resilience projects in Benin and Togo, where WACA has implemented long-term, study-based solutions. Ghana, it emphasised, must adopt a similar systematic approach rather than rely on short-term fixes that may fail to address broader objectives.

The post Coastal Civil Society Forum engages tidal wave victims, calls for urgent gov’t action first appeared on Nurture Nature Foundation.

AT GBC WITH MR. FRANCIS AMEYIBOR ON BEHALF OF WAANSA – GHANA FOR ADVOCACY ON THE PASSAGE OF THE NATIONAL ARMS COMMISSION BILL, 2023.

The purpose is to Establish a regulatory body to oversee the possession, use, and trade of arms in Ghana to ensure public safety and national security.

Among the objectives is to Prevent the proliferation of illegal arms in Ghana.

#STOPILLEGALARMS
#WAANSA
#NNF

The post NNF SUPPORTS THE PASSAGE OF THE NATIONAL ARMS COMMISSION BILL, 2023 first appeared on Nurture Nature Foundation.

February 20th is World Social Justice Day and as part of the commemoration the families of missing Fisheries Observers in Ghana joined international organizations including the International Association for Professional Observers (APO). and Ghanaian Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to raise attention on the cases of missing Fisheries Observers in Ghana and seek JUSTICE.

The background is that since 2019 there have been cases of disappearances and mysterious death of  Ghanaian Fisheries Observers at sea onboard fishing vessels. In all cases the fisheries observers were duly employed by Fisheries Commission and were assigned by the Commission to board fishing vessel to monitor their work and also collect fish data but they disappeared at sea while on lawful duty to the State.

The family of one of the missing Fisheries Observers Samuel Abayateye presented a letter to Ghana’s new Minister for Fisheries, Hon. Emelia Arthur. The letter stated that the family was worried because the investigations had been inconclusive since October 2023, when Samuel Abayateye disappeared at sea while on lawful duty onboard a fishing vessel Marina 707.

Kyei Kwadwo Yamoah, the Executive Director of HELP Foundation, who led the family to meet the new Fisheries Minister explained that in the past year, the families have submitted petitions and letters to the police, the former Minister of Fisheries, the former Executive Director of the Fisheries Commission, and many others duty bearers but they have not had the desired results.

The Minister of Fisheries Hon. Emelia Arthur received the letter and thanked the family for their patients. She assured the family that she as a new Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture will work with the Interior Minister to follow-up on the case.

The family expressed their appreciation to the new minister for her assurance of commitment to address the issues and ensure justice for the family.

The post The Family of Missing Fisheries Observer in Ghana Seeks Support for Justice on World Social Justice Day first appeared on Nurture Nature Foundation.

On Monday, February 10, we met with our Fisheries Minister at her office. Our discussions centered on implementing the closed season and the government’s priorities. She explained that the plan is to exempt artisanal fishers only from the Closed season for this year only. The strategy is to review and reset the closed-season implementation.

She explained that the available data reveals that 1-3 months after the Closed season the gains are dissipated due to high fishing effects and Illegal fishing activities. Also, rice, oil, and other relief items are not adequate and sustainable enough to address the needs of fishers. therefore there is a need for a holistic approach to address the issues in the sector and fish stock recovery.

Our Minister explained that the government’s priorities are introducing closed areas (MPAs) and ensuring sustainable enforcement and compliance with Fisheries laws, working closely with fishers and stakeholders. She also explained that stakeholder consultations will commence soon to discuss the pros and cons.

The team from HELP Foundation Africa, Kasa Initiative Ghana, CERATH, Nurture Nature Foundation, etc. were pleased with her explanation and we
agreed with her.

The Minister has a firm understanding of what needs to be done for our fisheries sector so let’s all support her.

Executive Director
Nurture Nature Foundation

The post NNF joins CSOs to meet with Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Ministry, Hon. Emelia Arthur first appeared on Nurture Nature Foundation.

By Samuel OWUSU-ADUOMI

Ghana is at a critical juncture in its environmental sustainability efforts. With increasing urbanization, waste generation has surged, necessitating innovative and effective waste management strategies.

Nurture Nature Foundation (NNF), in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI), is championing a legislative policy that will make waste segregation compulsory for every citizen. This initiative aligns with global best practices and aims to transform waste into a valuable economic resource.

As urban populations have grown, the volume of waste produced has reached alarming levels – placing immense pressure on landfills and existing waste management infrastructure.

Currently, Ghana faces significant challenges in waste disposal, with indiscriminate dumping leading to environmental degradation, public health crises and marine pollution. A structured and legally enforced waste segregation system could mitigate these challenges by promoting responsible waste disposal and enhancing recycling efforts.

According to Peter Asiedu, Executive Director-Nurture Nature Foundation: “Waste is not just waste; it is a resource waiting to be harnessed. Through effective segregation and recycling, we can transform Ghana’s waste crisis into an economic opportunity that creates jobs, conserves the environment and fosters sustainable development”.

NNF’s advocacy for a national waste segregation law stems from its commitment to environmental sustainability, circular economy principles and public health improvements. By collaborating with government agencies, private sector stakeholders and local communities, the foundation aims to build a robust framework that not only enforces compliance but also educates the public on benefits of waste segregation.

The proposed policy will require households, businesses and institutions to separate their waste into distinct categories such as organic, recyclable and hazardous materials. This approach will streamline waste collection processes, increase efficiency in recycling and create job opportunities in the waste management sector. Moreover, segregating waste at the source will help reduce the burden on landfill sites and limit greenhouse gas emissions associated with improper waste disposal.

To ensure a successful implementation of this law, NNF is advocating a multi-stakeholder approach that includes public awareness campaigns, infrastructure development and stringent enforcement mechanisms. Public education programmes will be essential in fostering behavioural change and encouraging citizen participation. Additionally, investment in waste processing facilities and recycling plants will be crucial in accommodating the increased volume of sorted waste materials.

The initiative also presents economic benefits, as a well-structured waste segregation system can attract investors in the recycling and waste-to-energy industries. Countries, which have implemented similar policies, witnessed a significant reduction in waste-related pollution and successfully turned waste into a resource that fuels economic growth. Ghana stands to gain immensely from adopting this model, positioning itself as a leader of sustainable waste management in Africa.

The urgency for a waste segregation law

Records indicate that Accra alone generates approximately 300 metric tonnes of plastic waste daily, with only 5% being recycled. This leads to severe environmental hazards including pollution, biodiversity loss and public health risks. By implementing a Waste Segregation Law, Ghana can establish a structured waste management system that ensures waste is properly sorted at the source – paving the way for effective recycling and resource recovery.

Transforming waste into a valuable commodity

NNF’s advocacy emphasises the economic potential of waste through three key areas:

• Composting from post-harvest farm products – Agricultural waste, often discarded, holds immense potential for composting. By processing organic waste into compost, farmers can enhance soil fertility, improve crop yields and reduce reliance on chemical fertilisers. This not only benefits the agricultural sector but also promotes sustainable land management and reduces methane emissions from decomposing organic matter.
• Energy generation through biogas – Organic waste, including food scraps and agricultural residue, can be converted into biogas – a renewable energy source. Biogas production contributes to Ghana’s energy mix by providing an alternative to fossil fuels. Small and large-scale biogas plants can be established across the country to generate electricity and support off-grid communities while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
• Recycling waste plastic for industrial use – The plastic waste crisis in Ghana is alarming, but it also presents an opportunity. Waste plastic can be repurposed into industrial raw materials, reducing the dependency on virgin plastic. NNF and MESTI have engaged waste-sorting centres and recycling plants to promote plastic recovery and reintegration into the production cycle. This initiative fosters a circular economy, creates jobs and minimises environmental degradation.

Insights from waste-sorting centres and recycling plants

To understand the realities of waste management in Ghana, a team from NNF and MESTI visited several waste-sorting and recycling centres, including:

• Darkuman Cable and Wireless: A hub with over 150 sorting centres employing 870 workers, predominantly women and youth. Here, waste plastic is sorted, crushed and processed into pellets for resale to recycling companies.
• Dzatakpor Dump Site at Glefe: An informal dumpsite where waste pickers recover valuable materials, despite hazardous conditions. The site exemplifies the need for better waste management policies.
• Korle Estuary and Korle Dump Site: A site where plastic is collected and processed into crushed pellets for industrial reuse, highlighting the economic potential of waste recovery.
• Paper Mill Nigeria Limited and Star Plastics Company Limited: Companies engaged in recycling plastic bottles and sachets, demonstrating the feasibility of large-scale recycling operations.

Challenges facing waste pickers and sorters

Despite the economic potential of waste segregation, numerous challenges persist:

• Lack of personal protective equipment (PPE), exposing workers to health risks.
• Absence of rest shelters, leaving workers vulnerable to harsh weather conditions.
• Unregulated pricing of waste materials, affecting the income stability of waste collectors.
• Illegal dumping activities threatening biodiversity, such as the waste deposits at the Dzatakpor Lagoon.

Policy recommendations and the way forward

To address these challenges and actualise the benefits of waste segregation, NNF proposes:

• Formalising and regulating waste segregation practices through a national law.
• Creating designated waste-sorting centres with better working conditions.
• Providing capacity-building programmes for waste workers and ensuring access to PPE.
• Establishing buy-back centres to encourage waste collection and recycling.
• Strengthening collaborations between government agencies, private sector players and civil society organisations to scale up recycling efforts.

Call for partnership support

Nurture Nature Foundation recognises that achieving a sustainable waste management system requires collective action. We invite government agencies, corporate organisations, international partners and civil society groups to collaborate in this vital endeavour.

By joining forces, we can expand waste segregation initiatives, enhance infrastructure and create long-term solutions for effective waste management. Private sector investment into recycling and waste processing facilities will be instrumental in driving a circular economy, while educational institutions can play a key role with awareness campaigns to instil responsible waste management habits in future generations.

NNF welcomes partnerships in areas such as policy advocacy, infrastructure development, research & innovation and community outreach programmes. Together, we can turn waste into a resource, foster economic development and safeguard the environment for future generations.

Conclusion

Waste segregation is not merely an environmental issue – it is an economic and social imperative. Through legislative backing, public awareness and private sector engagement, Ghana can transform its waste management landscape.

Nurture Nature Foundation’s advocacy for a Waste Segregation Law is a step toward a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable nation. By embracing waste as a resource, Ghana can create jobs, boost economic growth and protect the environment for the present and future generations.

The post Nurture Nature Foundation advocates waste segregation law first appeared on Nurture Nature Foundation.

By Samuel Owusu-Aduomi 

Ghana stands at a critical juncture in its environmental sustainability efforts. With increasing urbanization, waste generation has surged, necessitating innovative and effective waste management strategies. The Nurture Nature Foundation (NNF), in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation (MESTI), is championing a legislative policy that will make waste segregation compulsory for every citizen. This initiative aligns with global best practices and aims to transform waste into a valuable economic resource.

As urban populations grow, the volume of waste produced has reached alarming levels, placing immense pressure on landfills and existing waste management infrastructure. Currently, Ghana faces significant challenges in waste disposal, with indiscriminate dumping leading to environmental degradation, public health crises, and marine pollution. A structured and legally enforced waste segregation system could mitigate these challenges by promoting responsible waste disposal and enhancing recycling efforts.

According to Peter Asiedu, Executive Director, Nurture Nature Foundation, “Waste is not just waste; it is a resource waiting to be harnessed. Through effective segregation and recycling, we can transform Ghana’s waste crisis into an economic opportunity that creates jobs, conserves the environment, and fosters sustainable development.” 

The NNF’s advocacy for a national waste segregation law stems from its commitment to environmental sustainability, circular economy principles, and public health improvements. By collaborating with government agencies, private sector stakeholders, and local communities, the foundation aims to build a robust framework that not only enforces compliance but also educates the public on the benefits of waste segregation.

The proposed policy will require households, businesses, and institutions to separate their waste into distinct categories such as organic, recyclable, and hazardous materials. This approach will streamline waste collection processes, increase efficiency in recycling, and create job opportunities in the waste management sector. Moreover, segregating waste at the source will help reduce the burden on landfill sites and limit greenhouse gas emissions associated with improper waste disposal.

To ensure the successful implementation of this law, NNF is advocating for a multi-stakeholder approach that includes public awareness campaigns, infrastructure development, and stringent enforcement mechanisms. Public education programs will be essential in fostering behavioral change and encouraging citizen participation. Additionally, investment in waste processing facilities and recycling plants will be crucial in accommodating the increased volume of sorted waste materials.

The initiative also presents economic benefits, as a well-structured waste segregation system can attract investors in the recycling and waste-to-energy industries. Countries that have implemented similar policies have witnessed a significant reduction in waste-related pollution and have successfully turned waste into a resource that fuels economic growth. Ghana stands to gain immensely from adopting this model, positioning itself as a leader in sustainable waste management in Africa.

The Urgency for a Waste Segregation Law

Records indicate that Accra alone generates approximately 300 metric tons of plastic waste daily, with only 5% being recycled. This leads to severe environmental hazards, including pollution, biodiversity loss, and public health risks. By implementing a Waste Segregation Law, Ghana can establish a structured waste management system that ensures waste is properly sorted at the source, paving the way for effective recycling and resource recovery.

Transforming Waste into a Valuable Commodity

NNF’s advocacy emphasizes the economic potential of waste through three key areas:

1. Composting from Post-Harvest Farm Products
   Agricultural waste, often discarded, holds immense potential for composting. By processing organic waste into compost, farmers can enhance soil fertility, improve crop yields, and reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers. This not only benefits the agricultural sector but also promotes sustainable land management and reduces methane emissions from decomposing organic matter.
2. Energy Generation through Biogas
   Organic waste, including food scraps and agricultural residues, can be converted into biogas, a renewable energy source. Biogas production contributes to Ghana’s energy mix by providing an alternative to fossil fuels. Small and large-scale biogas plants can be established across the country to generate electricity and support off-grid communities while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
3. Recycling Waste Plastics for Industrial Use
   The plastic waste crisis in Ghana is alarming, but it also presents an opportunity. Waste plastics can be repurposed into industrial raw materials, reducing the dependency on virgin plastics. The NNF and MESTI have engaged waste sorting centers and recycling plants to promote plastic recovery and reintegration into the production cycle. This initiative fosters a circular economy, creates jobs, and minimizes environmental degradation.

Insights from Waste Sorting Centers and Recycling Plants

To understand the realities of waste management in Ghana, a team from NNF and MESTI visited several waste sorting and recycling centers, including:

• Darkuman Cable and Wireless: A hub with over 150 sorting centers employing 870 workers, predominantly women and youth. Here, waste plastics are sorted, crushed, and processed into pellets for resale to recycling companies.
• Dzatakpor Dump Site at Glefe: An informal dump site where waste pickers recover valuable materials, despite hazardous conditions. The site exemplifies the need for better waste management policies.
• Korle Estuary and Korle Dump Site: A site where plastics are collected and processed into crushed pellets for industrial reuse, highlighting the economic potential of waste recovery.
• Paper Mill Nigeria Limited and Star Plastics Company Limited: Companies engaged in recycling plastic bottles and sachets, demonstrating the feasibility of large-scale recycling operations.

Challenges Facing Waste Pickers and Sorters

Despite the economic potential of waste segregation, numerous challenges persist:

• Lack of personal protective equipment (PPE), exposing workers to health risks.
• Absence of rest shelters, leaving workers vulnerable to harsh weather conditions.
• Unregulated pricing of waste materials, affecting the income stability of waste collectors.
• Illegal dumping activities threatening biodiversity, such as the waste deposits at the Dzatakpor Lagoon.

Policy Recommendations and the Way Forward

To address these challenges and actualize the benefits of waste segregation, NNF proposes:

• Formalizing and regulating waste segregation practices through a national law.
• Creating designated waste sorting centers with better working conditions.
• Providing capacity-building programs for waste workers and ensuring access to PPE.
• Establishing buy-back centers to encourage waste collection and recycling.
• Strengthening collaborations between government agencies, private sector players, and civil society organizations to scale up recycling efforts.

Call for Partnership Support

The Nurture Nature Foundation recognizes that achieving a sustainable waste management system requires collective action. We invite government agencies, corporate organizations, international partners, and civil society groups to collaborate in this vital endeavor. By joining forces, we can expand waste segregation initiatives, enhance infrastructure, and create long-term solutions for effective waste management. Private sector investment in recycling and waste processing facilities will be instrumental in driving a circular economy, while educational institutions can play a key role in awareness campaigns and research to instill responsible waste management habits in future generations.

NNF welcomes partnerships in areas such as policy advocacy, infrastructure development, research and innovation, and community outreach programs. Together, we can turn waste into a resource, foster economic development, and safeguard the environment for future generations.

Conclusion

Waste segregation is not merely an environmental issue—it is an economic and social imperative. Through legislative backing, public awareness, and private sector engagement, Ghana can transform its waste management landscape. The Nurture Nature Foundation’s advocacy for a Waste Segregation Law is a step toward a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable nation. By embracing waste as a resource, Ghana can create jobs, boost economic growth, and protect the environment for future generations.

The post NURTURE NATURE FOUNDATION’S ADVOCACY FOR A WASTE SEGREGATION LAW IN GHANA first appeared on Nurture Nature Foundation.