On October 17, 2024, the Environmental Health and Sanitation Department at the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council held a strategic meeting with representatives from the Green Africa Youth Organization (GAYO), Mr. Jacob and Mss. Mabel. The attendees from the department include Mrs. Sybil Boison, Mss. Rosemary A E Gbadzida, Mr. Michael Dogbe, Mr. Tsatu and Mss. Oboh Irene. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the ongoing “Zero Waste Project,” an initiative launched in 2021 to promote sustainable waste management practices through a circular economy model in the Greater Accra region. This project aims to drive waste reduction, enhance recycling practices, and improve overall sanitation across communities, aligning with both local and international environmental standards. GAYO presented an overview of the Zero Waste Project’s activities, highlighting community sensitization on waste handling, including composting, recycling, and the proper collection of recyclable materials. Emphasis was placed on the need to educate residents on waste segregation at the source, particularly in high-density areas like LADMA, to reduce open burning and manage organic waste through composting. They also proposed a partnership with the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council to provide training for Environmental Health Officers across Accra. The training would focus on waste segregation at the source, health and environmental impacts of open burning, and the importance of enforcing waste management by-laws. The training would also cover clean air practices and educate officers on emissions reduction to improve overall air quality in the region.
