GIZ Ghana has launched the InnoWaste Project to improve the livelihoods of people in plastic waste management, focusing on empowering women and youth. This initiative aims to create 6,000 jobs and boost incomes for 365 waste actors by September 2028. It will also improve working conditions for more than 3,600 workers across the waste value chain.
The project, funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the develoPPP programme, seeks to speed up Ghana's move towards a circular economy. It tackles the country's fast-growing plastic waste problem. Ghana generates about 1 million metric tons of plastic waste yearly, with only 9.5% collected for recycling. The rest often ends up polluting communities and natural environments.
This initiative fits into Ghana's broader economic and political goals of sustainable development and climate action. Ghana's Environmental Sanitation Policy and National Plastic Waste Management Policy provide a strong framework for such projects. The country has also strengthened public-private partnerships in waste infrastructure, allowing private funds to support projects the government cannot fully finance. Research shows that Ghana could generate over GHS 88 million annually just by recycling its plastic waste.
Mr. Willhelm Hugo, Cluster Coordinator for GIZ's Network for Inclusive Economic Development (NIED), said InnoWaste will deliver a “triple win” for Ghanaian communities. He explained this includes an Environmental Win by reducing urban plastic pollution and advancing the national circular economy. An Economic Win will come from unlocking local business opportunities and creating decent green jobs. A Social Win will improve community livelihoods and empower local youth and women.
The project will expand recycling plant production by 50% and cut operational costs. Key strategies involve using a waste-tracking mobile app and launching “reverse vending machines” for plastic collection. The project will also distribute tricycles and protective gear, and register 60,000 people for health insurance. Educational campaigns and school programmes will help change community behaviour towards waste.
Ms. Suweibatu Adam Esq, Chief Director at the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology, highlighted the project's theme, “From Waste to Wealth: Driving a Circular Future.” She stressed its importance for sustainably improving livelihoods in Ghana’s plastic waste management sector. Deputy Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, noted the project's alignment with Ghana's international commitments on circular economy and climate action.
The Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs will work with GIZ, Zoomlion, and Blue Skies to connect the project with local assemblies. This ensures the project's success benefits districts nationwide. Ghana is also actively engaging in carbon finance initiatives, including Article 6 mechanisms under the Paris Agreement. This progress aims to unlock climate finance through waste recovery efforts. The government may soon authorise transferring carbon credits from four integrated recycling plants to the Swiss government.
The InnoWaste Project represents a significant step towards a cleaner environment and economic opportunity. It will empower young people and entrepreneurs to turn local plastic waste into valuable resources. This initiative is expected to reduce pollution, create jobs, and improve health and economic conditions for many Ghanaians over the next five years.