Green Africa Youth Organization (GAYO) has Sign memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Ablekuma West municipal Assembly in Accra to ensure that they create a circular economy framework within the city of Accra, on the Zero waste Accra project .
The project, which aims to establish a circular economy framework within Accra, has been in progress for the past three years, with initial engagements and collaborations with various local entities.
Speaking at the MOU signing ceremony, Zero waste Cities Manager Mr Jacob Johnson Attakpah, outlined the key goals and focus areas of the Zero Waste Accra initiative. The primary objective is to improve air quality in Accra by addressing issues such as high pollution levels and the significant methane production from landfills.
"We've started engagement with LA Dade kotopong where the project has been for the past three years. We've moved to ledzokuku. We've spoken to colleague, where they've already started implementation, and now we're in ablekuma West, the point is to ensure that we clean the air that we breath within Accra, when you see the figures that we get from the Environmental Protection Agency, and the way they are always in a red zone at specific times of the day, and even when, when you move to landfills and you see the amount of methane, that's it's very alarming.
He said the project aims to transition Accra from a linear economy, where resources are taken, used, and disposed of, to a more circular model where materials are reused and recycled. This shift is crucial for promoting environmental sustainability and combating climate change.
The Zero Waste Accra project will focus on movement building for zero waste, reducing open burning of waste, and preventing the production of methane from organic waste in landfills. The project team will engage with local communities, conduct cleanups, and carry out brand audits to achieve these objectives.
The signing of the MOU with the Ablekuma West Assembly marks a significant milestone, as it formalizes the partnership and sets the stage for the project's implementation in the area. The assembly has provided feedback and expectations, which will guide the project's direction moving forward.
"We are very happy that the Assembly has decided to collaborate with us to deliver the Zero Waste project within Ablekuma West,"
On his part, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Ablekuma West Constituency, Hon.Geoge C Bray emphasized the need for the agreement to translate into real action on the ground. "There have been times that partners sign agreements and all that happens is what you see on paper, and not a true reflection of whatever agreement it is happening," he stated.
Hon. Bray assured that their team is "ready and committed to fulfilling our part of the bargain to make sure this project goes well."
He urged the partner organization GAYO to also uphold their responsibilities as per the agreement, stating "the real job is supposed to be done by your good selves."
On the other hand, GAYO expressed gratitude for the assembly's support and commitment. "My team is ready and poised to put our shoulders, hands and everything to the wheel to make sure it moves," they said.
Both parties expressed optimism that in the coming months, the community will start to see the promised deliverables from this partnership come to fruition.