Gov`t to use clean revolution to combat waste-Says Environment Minister

The Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Ms. Sherry Ayitey, has revealed that the government intends to embark on a clean revolution in the country to combat waste.

She explained that the revolution would facilitate the turning of waste into useful resources such as bio-gas and compost for agriculture, to ensure a clean environment.

Speaking at Aburansa in the Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrem (KEEA) District to officially inaugurate the Elmina Cyclus Plant, a plastic recycling company set up by the KEEA Municipal Assembly, in collaboration with the Gouda Municipality in the Netherlands on Wednesday, Ms. Ayitey said the National Democratic Congress (NDC), as a social democratic party, would assist companies that invest in clean technology projects, claiming that the success of the Elmina Cylus would be a reference point for other districts, municipalities and metropolitan assemblies.

She commended the initiators of the project, saying it would help reduce the problem of environmental pollution, and also create job opportunities for the teeming youth in the area.

Ms. Ayitey urged agents of the company, who collect plastic waste for the company, to take their job seriously, and help change the mindset of the people, with regard to waste separation at the household level.

The Board Chairman of Cyclus Elmina Recycling Plant, Hans Belton, said the company had the aim of creating employment for the youth, to enable them help clean the environment, adding that it was a non-profitable organisation.

The Director of Cyclus, Bless Darkey, said 150 tonnes of plastic bottles, as well as 135 tonnes of sachet bags had been collected from the KEEA and Cape Coast for recycling, and appealed to the KEEA Municipal Assembly to set aside some funds to support the salary of those who collect the waste.

The Central Regional Minister, Ms. Ama Benyiwah Doe, who witnessed the inauguration ceremony, assured the company of her administration's support, and advised them not to hesitate in bringing forward their problems for assitance.

Other dignitaries such as Cardinal Peter Kojo Appiah-Turkson, Catholic Archbishop of Cape Coast, and Rev. Mrs. Veronica Essuman-Nelson, KEEA Municipal Chief Executive, as well as University of Cape Coast (UCC) Vice Chancellor, Prof. Naana Opoku-Agyemang, and Very Rev. Emmanuel Kwesi Arhin, Cape Coast Circuit Methodist Superintendent Minister, were there to grace the occasion.