Over 100 female waste collectors in the Ashanti Region have been equipped with financial and livelihood enhancement knowledge to positively impact society.

Beneficiaries who are members of the Waste Pickers Network were encouraged to treat waste collection as a reliable source of income and protection of the environment. 

Ghana generates approximately 840,000 tonnes of plastic waste every year, of which only about 9.5% is collected for recycling.

Nationally, more than 2,000 waste pickers are involved in ridding beaches, drains, and backyards of plastic waste.

Recycle Up Ghana used the occasion of the 2023 International Women’s Day to acknowledge the role of women waste pickers in lessening the plastic waste problem in Ghana. 

Through the event, Recycle Up Ghana in collaboration with the Coca-Cola foundation supported the Waste Pickers Network through livelihood empowerment.

The Executive Director of Recycle Up! Ghana, Abdulrahim Shaibu-Issah said the reason for the event was to unite all the waste pickers under one network to enable them access support and livelihood interventions.

He also reiterated, Recycle Up! will continue to support the Waste Pickers Network.

“Our research and observation largely shows that women are the lowest on the value chain and they do more of the work, collecting all the plastics we see in our communities, yet they are the ones suffering the most. Today’s event is first of all to announce to the world that, there are women waste pickers who are making an impact in the country. And also to provide additional support in terms of their health care, work logistics, and economic improvement.

“Private enterprises should be empowered enough to be able to purchase and process more. Indirectly, this will support waste pickers and allow them to earn a livelihood,” he said. 

Corporate trainer and coach for Recycle Up Ghana, Rita Krampah encouraged women to eschew idleness and support their families financially.

“Whatever you are doing, once you are earning a living, you are good to go, no matter how small it is. Laziness and not being active always lead to sickness. Since women are part of the financial cycle of the family, you need to work for yourself and your family.

“Recycle is a chain, and those picking up rubbish are part of the cycle. And we will not finish the cycle if we leave them out. Their job as front liners is very important,” she said. 

Side attractions of the event included a free health screening, and mass sensitization based on United Nation’s theme for the 2023 women’s day campaign: “embracing equity”. 

The event was under the theme "Celebrating the role of female waste pickers, key players in environmental sustainability".

Beneficiaries were awarded cash prizes and souvenirs and received some medication donated by Pokupharma LTD.

They shared their happiness on the role Recycle Up Ghana is playing in their lives.

“Our work is less regarded, but it's a good source of living. It's difficult but with persistence and support, you will reap benefits. 

“We appreciate their efforts, and we understand that they are committed to support us gradually to the fullest.  We are very thankful for today's event,” Afia Mansa from Asante Akyim Agogo said. 

The Queen Mother of Fumesua, Nana Ama Obiyaa advised the women to take good care of their health.

She commended them for their effort in building a cleaner Ghana, and praised Recycle Up! Ghana for building capacity of the Waste Pickers Network.

Recycle up Ghana aims to educate young people, create awareness, and co-create local solutions to the plastic waste problem in Ghana.