Accra was buzzing on the evening of 4 December, as stakeholders from across the plastics value chain, including policymakers, recyclers, grassroots waste collectors, private-sector innovators, and civil-society actors, filled the Marriott Hotel for the maiden Ghana Plastics Leadership Awards.

The ceremony, organised by the Ghana National Plastic Action Partnership (NPAP), marked not only a celebration but also a bold recommitment to the circular-economy vision for plastics in Ghana.

Under the resonant theme “Driving Change, Shaping the Future: Ghana’s Plastic Action Story”, the evening spotlight fell on those transforming Ghana’s plastics challenge into opportunity, from informal-sector waste-pickers reclaiming value from discarded plastics to startups and institutions designing recycling solutions and policymakers crafting inclusive frameworks.

Celebrating Real Impact

One of the night’s touching highlights was the "Circular Economy Champion (Informal Sector Excellence) Award", which went to a veteran waste-picker, Lydia Bamfo.

It underscored the importance that meaningful environmental change begins at the grassroots, and those often overlooked deserve to be in the spotlight.

Other laurels went to entrepreneurs and organisations leading innovation in recycling, waste processing, and sustainable plastics management.

One such winner, Mckingtorch Africa, was publicly celebrated for cutting-edge work in plastic circularity, proving that with creativity and commitment, waste can become value.

More than a feel-good awards night, this was a reaffirmation of Ghana’s growing resolve to tackle plastic pollution structurally through collaboration, inclusivity and long-term vision, not short-term showmanship.

Behind the Awards: Why NPAP’s Work Matters

Since its formal launch in 2019, under the umbrella of the Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP), the Ghana NPAP has positioned itself as Ghana’s central platform for multi-stakeholder action against plastic waste.

Through a comprehensive framework, the initiative has delivered a National Plastic Action Roadmap and a Financing Roadmap and laid the groundwork for inclusive waste management policies, including recognition of informal waste collectors and interventions targeting social protection for vulnerable groups involved in plastic collection.

In 2025 alone, the work gained momentum: a national assessment of the informal plastics sector, development of standards for recycled PET (rPET), and a strategic funding window to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) working to scale recycling and circular solutions.

These systemic efforts help buttress the notion that Ghana is not simply chasing trophies: we’re building a resilient, inclusive circular economy for plastics that can generate jobs, reduce pollution, and reclaim plastic as a resource rather than waste.

What This Means: A Torchbearer for Circular Plastics in Africa

With this first edition of the Plastics Leadership Awards, Ghana has lit a torch, signalling both domestically and internationally that we are serious about shifting the narrative on plastics.

This event offered a rare chance for the diverse players in the plastics ecosystem, from informal waste-pickers to corporate executives, to stand together.

Beyond symbolism, the Awards can serve as a rallying point to boost morale, draw public attention, and encourage new entrants into the circular-economy space. If leveraged well, the energy from this night can catalyse greater investment, innovation, and widespread adoption of sustainable practices.

CATEGORY	WINNER
Outstanding Contribution to Plastic Reduction/Reuse Award	Plastic Punch
Outstanding Contribution to Plastic Collection Award	Asase foundation
Outstanding Contribution to Recycling Infrastructure Award	Mohinani
Community Impact Champion	GAYO, SESA & LadMA
Behaviour Change Leader Award	Plastic Punch
Exceptional Youth Champions	Ghana Youth Environmental Movement GYEM
Gender & Social Inclusion Leaders	Cordie Aziz & Dr Owusu Boampong
Plastic Creative Innovation Award	Mckingtorch Africa
Circular Economy Champion Award (Informal Sector Excellence)	Lydia Bamfo
Circular Economy Incubator/Accelerator Leader	Impact Footprints
Excellence in Plastic Circularity Research	UG IESS
Outstanding Academic Institution in Plastics Leadership	University of Cape Coast (ACECoR)
Policy Impact Award	Mr Oliver Boachie
Public Sector Honorary Award	MEST