The Executive Secretary of the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation, Abdel Razak Yakubu, has announced an ambitious plan to reduce plastic waste in the foundation’s host communities by 2028.
Speaking at an end-of-year review meeting for water and sanitation (WATSAN) teams in the Prestea Huni Valley and Tarkwa Nsuaem municipalities of the Western Region, he outlined the foundation’s strategy to tackle plastic pollution through education, recycling, and innovative partnerships.

Plastic Waste to Classroom Furniture

Yakubu revealed that the foundation is partnering with Macintosh Creatives, an Accra-based organization specializing in converting plastic waste into classroom furniture. The company processes plastics, including sachet rubbers and bottles, into platelets, which are then used to manufacture durable school furniture.

“The plan is to attract Macintosh Creatives to our communities to set up operations. This will not only help manage plastic waste but also provide a source of income and essential items like classroom furniture,” Yakubu said. “With this initiative, we are confident we can meet our target of reducing plastic waste by 2028.”

The foundation is currently conducting a baseline study to determine the volume of plastic waste in Tarkwa and its surrounding areas. Collaborations with stakeholders such as the Sachet Water Producers Association and municipal assemblies will provide crucial data to guide the programme.

Strengthening Water and Sanitation Management

In addition to its plastic waste initiative, the foundation continues to support WATSAN teams in managing community water facilities provided by Gold Fields. Yakubu encouraged the teams to enhance their efforts in maintaining these facilities, while municipal environmental health officers provided further guidance.

Prestea Huni Valley’s Municipal Environmental Health Officer, Isaac Toheer, emphasized the need for WATSAN groups to establish independent accounts for their activities, noting that funds intended for water and sanitation are sometimes misused for unrelated community projects.

“We are working towards enacting effective environmental and sanitation by-laws for WATSAN members by 2025,” Toheer said. “This will ensure proper management of water facilities and enable expansions where needed.”

Tackling cholera outbreaks

During the meeting, the Municipal Health Director for Tarkwa Nsuaem, Madam Wilhemina Tiwaah Duah, reported an ongoing cholera outbreak in the municipality, with five confirmed cases, 10 probable cases, and 32 suspected cases.

“While only one patient is currently hospitalized, cholera has claimed three lives in the Western Region, and the number of cases is rising,” Duah cautioned. She urged communities to prioritize hygiene, avoid open defecation, and ensure their food and water are safe from contamination.

A Collective Effort for Cleaner Communities

As part of its broader waste management initiative, Gold Fields Ghana Foundation plans to train WATSAN members on plastic waste management. By integrating these efforts with its education and awareness campaigns, the foundation aims to foster cleaner and healthier communities across its host areas.

Yakubu reiterated the foundation’s commitment: “With partnerships, community involvement, and sustained effort, we can create lasting solutions to sanitation and waste management challenges.”

The meeting concluded with renewed calls for collaboration among municipal assemblies, WATSAN teams, and residents to achieve the shared goal of a cleaner environment.