Environmental stakeholders in Ghana have renewed calls to turn waste into economic opportunity, championing innovation, research, and circular economy solutions as drivers of climate action.

The call was made during the 2025 World Environment Day celebration, under the theme “From Waste to Wealth: Driving Climate Action through Innovation, Research and Circular Solutions.”

The event, organised by the Centre for Climate Change and Sustainability Studies at the University of Ghana in partnership with the Climate Development Knowledge Network (CDKN), brought together environmental experts, students, and policymakers to explore how waste can become a launchpad for youth-led entrepreneurship.

The Project Manager of the University of Ghana Collaborative on Climate Resilience and Sustainability (UG-CCReS), Joseph Clottey, outlined key measures introduced to promote inclusivity in green entrepreneurship as part of the Waste-to-Wealth strategy.

“This collaboration is particularly focused on empowering youth, especially women, persons with disabilities, refugees, and individuals from displaced communities. We are equipping them with skills and training to see waste not as a burden, but as a resource. Over the next eight years, our goal is to develop ambassadors who will champion the transformation of waste into something meaningful and sustainable”, he stated.

The Project Lead for CDKN Ghana, Valerie Nutakor, highlighted ongoing support for young innovators in waste transformation.

She noted that pilot projects are already underway, equipping youth with both technical and financial resources to build sustainable businesses.

“We are supporting green entrepreneurs—young people we've trained over time—to ensure they understand the technical and scientific aspects of waste innovation. With our backing, they’re turning ideas into viable sustainability initiatives,” Nutakor explained.

The government also reaffirmed its commitment to expanding youth-led waste innovations, especially across urban centers like Accra.

The Technical Lead at the Ministry of Climate Change and Sustainability, Cedric Dzelu, emphasised the need for systemic support to help young innovators scale.

“We’re excited to see green entrepreneurship gaining traction. These young people need the right tools and support to make waste-to-wealth a national reality and with that, the doors of the ministry are open to youth focused climate adaptations to make our country environmentally sustainable,” Dzelu stated.

At the academic level, the Director of the Institute for Environment and Sanitation Studies, Professor Chris Gordon, outlined the UG’s initiatives aimed at closing the gap between climate research and entrepreneurship.

“We’re introducing catalyst and seed grants for student-led startups. These come with mentorship, proof-of-concept support, and training to help them move from ideas to real-world impact,” he said.

The message from Ghana’s environmental technocrats is clear, waste holds untapped potential. With the right blend of innovation, collaboration, and policy support, Ghana can lead the charge toward a circular economy that benefits both people and the planet.