A senior research fellow at the University of Ghana, Dr. Ted Yemoh Annang, has proposed that the government can create jobs across the waste management chain under its 24-hour economy initiative. He believes that the numerous activities involved in managing waste can be reorganized to provide sustained employment opportunities. Dr. Annang's suggestion is based on the various stages of waste management, from generation to final disposal.
Dr. Annang explained that job opportunities extend across the entire waste management chain, including collection, transportation, treatment, and disposal. He suggested that some individuals can specialize in collection, while others can focus on transportation, and others on treatment and segregation. According to him, redesigning the way these activities are organized can enable the government to create jobs at different stages while supporting continuous operations.
Dr. Annang made these comments on JoyFM's Super Morning Show on Tuesday, October 6. His proposal came during a discussion on waste management, following a directive from the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayarigah. The minister had announced that Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives had 30 days to identify and submit suitable sites for waste transfer stations.
The proposed reforms in waste management include providing households with two bins to separate organic waste from other solid waste at source. The government also plans to replace open-bucket waste collection tricycles, popularly known as Aboboyaa, with self-loading and self-tipping vehicles. Additionally, assemblies in major urban areas are expected to identify land for properly engineered landfill facilities.
Dr. Annang's proposal places job creation alongside these sanitation reforms, with a call to organize the work across the waste management chain to support operations throughout the day and night. His suggestion is in line with the government's efforts to improve waste management in Ghana. The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs had emphasized the need for an integrated system covering waste collection, transfer, disposal, and recycling.
The government has announced plans to create 20,000 jobs in waste management and the circular economy. This move is expected to help address the challenges of waste management in Ghana. The creation of jobs in the waste management sector is also seen as a way to support the government's 24-hour economy initiative, which aims to stimulate economic growth and create employment opportunities.
The issue of waste management has become a major concern in Ghana, with many cities and towns struggling to manage waste effectively. The government's efforts to improve waste management, including the creation of jobs in the sector, are expected to help address this challenge. Dr. Annang's proposal highlights the potential for job creation in the waste management sector and the need for a comprehensive approach to address the challenges of waste management in Ghana.
Key points
- Dr. Ted Yemoh Annang proposes job creation in waste management under 24-hour economy
- Government plans to create 20,000 jobs in waste management and circular economy
- Waste management sector can provide sustained employment opportunities across the chain
