The Jospong Group of Companies (JGC), in partnership with government, has officially commissioned a state-of-the-art Integrated Recycling and Compost Plant (IRECOP) in Nalerigu.

This 400-ton-per-day facility will serve as a critical component in Northern Ghana's waste management infrastructure, processing mixed waste, recycling plastics, and producing organic compost to benefit the agricultural community.

At the heart of the commissioning ceremony, a speech read on behalf of the Nayire, Naa Bohagu Mahami Sheriga, praised the initiative, calling it a lifeline for the people of the region. “If the plant is to produce organic compost and recycle waste, then the project has indeed come to save our people,” he said.

Naa Sheriga commended the leadership of JGC and its staff, urging them to foster a culture of maintenance to ensure the long-term success of the project.

He also emphasised the importance of preserving the land on which the plant is situated.

The Deputy Minister of Sanitation and Member of Parliament for Sissala East Constituency, Amidu Chinnia Issahaku, representing the Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, underscored the plant's role in advancing Ghana's sanitation goals.

He highlighted that the facility aligns with the government’s vision of transforming the country’s waste management sector through public-private collaborations.

"This facility, with its 400-ton daily capacity, represents a major step in the government's efforts to modernize the waste sector and foster partnerships with the private sector," Mr Issahaku stated.

He also lauded the contribution of Zoomlion workers for their hard work and commitment to making this vision a reality.

In his address, Haidar Said, Executive Director of Environment and Sanitation at JGC, delivered remarks on behalf of Dr Joseph Siaw Agyepong, Executive Chairman of JGC.

Mr Said recounted the sod-cutting ceremony by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in 2020, celebrating the success of the project.

"This facility, which will process 400 tons of waste per day, is the result of the President’s vision for a cleaner Ghana," he noted.

He also revealed that a medical waste treatment plant, with an additional capacity of 400 tons, is part of the same complex.

Together, these facilities will handle 99% of the waste generated in the Northern Region, ensuring comprehensive waste management.

Mr Said expressed his gratitude to the chiefs and elders of the North East Regions for their support and acknowledged the resilience of the JGC team and Zoomlion workers.

He also noted the plant’s wider significance, dedicating it to the people of Nalerigu and positioning it as a research and learning centre for educational institutions across the country.

Additionally, the facility will serve as a tourist centre, attracting visitors interested in sustainable waste management practices.

The plant’s establishment has created some 600 direct and indirect jobs, contributing to the economic empowerment of the local community.

It also offers carbon credit benefits, reinforcing Ghana’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and combating climate change.

Zakaria Yidana, North East Regional Minister, expressed his satisfaction with the project's completion, acknowledging the leadership of President Akufo-Addo and the efforts of the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralization, and Rural Development (MLGDRD).

He praised JGC for the successful execution of the project and commended the introduction of initiatives like the District Resilience Improvement Programme (DRIP) and other infrastructural improvements, including road development in the region.

The Nalerigu IRECOP is a game-changer in the North East Region’s waste management sector, offering a sustainable and efficient solution to the region’s waste challenges.

By transforming waste into useful resources such as compost and recyclable products, the plant is set to make a lasting impact on both the environment and the local economy.

This initiative adds to the significant milestone in Ghana’s journey toward achieving sustainable development, showcasing the power of public-private partnerships in addressing critical national issues such as waste management.