IAST Commissions Waste-to-Fuel Project to Combat Plastic Pollution and Create Jobs

The Institute of Applied Science and Technology (IAST), in partnership with the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs and the Embassy of France in Ghana, has commissioned the Valorisation of Waste Plastics for Fuel Production (VALOPLASTIQUES) project, aimed at addressing the critical issue of plastic pollution while generating employment opportunities.

The project was launched earlier this year in collaboration with the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Member of Parliament (MP) for the Korle-Klottey Constituency, Hon. Dr. Zanetor Agyemang Rawlings, the Osu Alata Traditional Council and the Korle-Klottey Municipal Assembly. The project is a pilot community initiative designed to convert plastic waste into fuel as a source of energy for the Osu Alata fishing community.

The initiative promotes sustainable development through innovative plastic waste management, supporting Ghana’s Green Plastic Circular Economy. 

Prof. David Dodoo-Arhin, Principal Investigator and Director of IAS, highlighted the dual benefit of the project – addressing environmental challenges and providing hands-on training and entrepreneurship opportunities for unemployed youth. “We are not just launching a technological solution; we are igniting a beacon of hope for a cleaner and more sustainable future,” he emphasised.

The Chief of the Community, Nii Kwabena Bonne V, commended key stakeholders of the project, highlighting the benefits to the community and the country. He admonished members of the community to stop littering but rather help in gathering plastic waste to support the project. 

He acknowledged the essence of education, stating the importance of converting research into projects that are beneficial to the community and industry. Nii Kwabena Bonne V impressed upon the youth to take advantage of opportunities under the project and regard it as a legacy to pass on from generation to generation.

Members of the Osu Alata Traditional Council, Representatives from the Member of Parliament’s office, Municipal Council and Government Agencies expressed their support for the project.

Mr. Frederick Kenneth Appiah, Deputy Director in charge of renewable energy at the Energy Commission, praised the project’s alignment with Ghana’s Transition Framework and National Energy Policy. “Once we are able to put value on waste, we will be able to solve the waste menace and pollution in the country” he said.

As a beneficiary of the training programme of the project, Ms. Linda Ansah, representative of MP for Korle Klottey Constituency urged members of the community to encourage one another to enroll and participate in the training programme.

The first batch of 23 trainees were awarded certificates. As part of the commissioning ceremony, guests had the opportunity to witness a demonstration of the fuel production process, as well as witness a canoe ride whose outboard motor was powered with fuel generated from plastic waste.

With continued collaboration and innovation, this initiative will pave the way for larger-scale implementation, transforming environmental challenges into opportunities for growth and development.