The Ho Technical University has been selected as key a partner in a multimillion-dollar circular economy project for the country.
The Ghana Circular Economy project would build a far-reaching culture of regeneration through the provision of adaptable models and technologies for the various sectors of the economy.
It is a US$6 million project supported by the Global Affairs Canada and UNIDO, and based on the broader ideals of climate sustainability, and economic growth.
The project initially would focus on the plastics, textile and agricultural sectors, and the Ho Technical University, as host institution, would be working with two of the top universities in the country; the University of Cape Coast and the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, as value chain leads.
Inaugurating the Centre, Ms Ophelia Mensah Hayford, the Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI), said Ghana attained a remarkable stage in the quest for economic and environmental sustainability, and commended the nation’s leadership.
“This government, led by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, have actively worked to shift Ghana from the linear economy of make-use-dispose to a circular economy, aiming to significantly decrease waste and pollution, while prolonging the use of products within the production system.
She said the inauguration marked a significant milestone in the collective journey towards a sustainable future, with the Ghana Circular Economy Centre of Excellence representing not just a project, but a vision, which aligned seamlessly with Ghana’s aspirations for environmental stewardship, economic innovation, and inclusive growth.
“This groundbreaking initiative symbolises our commitment to developing a circular economy framework that is both economically viable and environmentally responsible,” she said.
Ghana in March 2023 developed the Circular Economy Action Plan, anchored on key priority economic sectors including water, waste, plastics, food and agriculture and the built environment.
Under the project, the University of Cape Coast is the value chain lead for plastics, while the Kwame Nkrumah University would cater for agriculture and agro-processing.
The textiles component has been allotted to the OR Foundation, a sustainable fashion-based organisation in the country, and the Minister was confident that the Ho Technical University and sister institutions on the project would deliver the circular economy transition.
“I am particularly delighted to acknowledge the selection of Ho Technical University as the Host Institution for the Circular Economy Centre of Excellence. We believe that transitioning to a circular economy will be advantageous to Ghana and will help the country generate green decent jobs, reduce inequality, minimize the impact of climate change on the environment, and provide the economy with a competitive advantage.
“As Ghana seeks to diversify its economy, create export revenue and improve labour and capital productivity, it is also aiming to become a global leader in the transition to circular economy. The Centre of Excellence will serve as a beacon of innovation, supporting small-scale and early-stage entrepreneurs, particularly women and youth, in their quest to develop and deploy innovative circular economy technologies and solutions, she said.
She said the initiative aimed to increase the adoption of clean energy and energy-efficient solutions, thus enhancing economic opportunities and promoting environmental sustainability across our nation.
“Your institutional leadership and expertise will be instrumental in driving the success of this project, and we look forward to the impactful contributions each of you, institutions, will make,” she said.
Professor Ben Honyenugah, the Vice Chancellor of the Ho Technical University said the institution recognised the enormity and impact of the project, and assured stakeholders of its realisation.
He said the project enhanced the global outlook for the University and was therefore prepared to avail himself of the project.
“This project positions HTU to become a regional and international leader in circular economy practices. As the Host Institution (HI) for the project, we are honoured to embrace the opportunities and related responsibilities. The Host Institution accolade fits perfectly with our vision to become a hub of practical education and innovation advancing sustainable global development.
“As the Host Institution we will provide the necessary facilities, services, supervision, support and equipment for the successful implementation of the project,” he said.
The Vice Chancellor announced the designation of the entire university environment as a circular economy innovation zone and appealed to the business community to support the Center’s development.
The University recently established a cutting-edge fabrication laboratory, and the Vice Chancellor was confident that with the abundance of facilities, and achievements in technical education, it would carry the project into a glorious realisation.
The inauguration was attended by leaders of various organisations connected to the project, major industry players, entrepreneurs, and traditional leaders.
There were solidarity messages from the Canadian partners and UNIDO, which reaffirmed faith in the project and its impact across the sub-region.