A state-of-the-art medical waste treatment facility has been officially commissioned at Akrofu-Agorve near Ho in the Volta Region.
This facility, the second of its kind in the country, has been established to collect and treat hazardous healthcare waste, including used syringes, blood-stained materials, pathological waste, COVID-19-related waste, and vaccination waste.
Realized through a Public Private Partnership (PPP), the multimillion-dollar plant is equipped with a cutting-edge microwave treatment component capable of processing 10,000 kilograms of medical waste daily.
The facility’s advanced technology allows for the recycling of the waste, adding value to the process.
Importantly, the treatment method employed is non-incineration, ensuring that no atmospheric pollutants are released during the process, thus promoting environmental safety.
Additionally, the facility boasts a cold room for proper waste storage and specialized waste trucks for transporting medical waste from various healthcare facilities in the region to the treatment site.
Addressing attendees at a durbar prior to the official opening ceremony, the Regional Minister, Dr. Archibald Yao Letsa, emphasized that the establishment of the treatment plant reflects the government’s strong commitment to achieving the third and 17th Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which focus on health and well-being, and partnership, respectively.
He urged all medical and health facilities generating medical waste to utilize the facility and also expressed confidence in the proper management of the facility by the subsidiary of Jospong Group of Companies responsible for its operations.
The Executive Director of Environment and Sanitation Group (Processing Cluster) of Jospong Group of Companies, Haida Said, highlighted that the plant would create 200 direct and indirect employment opportunities for the local community.
Utilizing advanced technology, recycling capabilities, and adherence to environmental and safety standards, the facility is making significant contributions to both national and international sustainability goals.
The Ho Municipal Chief Executive, Divine Bosson, added that the establishment of the facility further enhances Ho’s reputation as the ‘Oxygen City of Ghana.’
The Paramount Queen of the Akrofu Traditional Area, Mama Nyabor VII, expressed pride in the waste treatment plant, stating that it has elevated the status of the community. She called for prompt attention to fixing the roads to Akrofu to ensure the smooth and effective functioning of the plant.
Among the dignitaries present at the commissioning ceremony was the Deputy Minister of Health, Mahama Asei Seini.
The facility is set to play a crucial role in safe and eco-friendly medical waste management, contributing to public health and environmental sustainability in the region and the country as a whole.