In pursuit of its mission to enhance the proper disposal of waste, the E&S group, operating under the renowned Jospong Group of Companies in Africa, has completed the construction and inauguration of an ultra-modern medical waste treatment plant in Adegya, Ashanti region. This milestone marks the first-ever facility of its kind in the area.
At the facility’s commissioning, Hon. Mahama Asei Seini, the Deputy Minister of Health, emphasized that Ghana’s commitment to safeguarding public health, preserving the environment, and promoting sustainable development is evident through the establishment of this facility.
Emphasizing the importance of proper medical waste management, Hon. Mahama Asei Seini highlighted that medical waste contains potentially infectious and hazardous materials, posing significant risks to human health and the ecosystem when not handled appropriately.
He stressed the necessity of adopting responsible and efficient measures to curb disease transmission, safeguard healthcare workers, and reduce environmental impacts.
Furthermore, he mentioned that the facility would cater to all healthcare establishments in the region and neighboring towns. With a daily waste treatment capacity of 10,000kg (10 tonnes), the facility is set to create more than 200 direct and indirect job opportunities.
Haida Said, the Executive Director of Processing Cluster E&S Group, emphasised that the pandemic brought into focus the crucial importance of handling medical waste with caution to prevent the spread of infectious diseases within the country. He extended his gratitude to President Nana Addo for fostering an enabling environment that allows the private sector to contribute effectively to this vital cause.
Hiahene Prof. Oheneba Boakye Adjei, representing Otumfou Osei Tutu, expressed admiration for the partnership between the Government of Ghana, Ecosteryl of Belgium, and the Jospong Group, which successfully brought the project to life.
H.E. Harriet Sena Siaw-Boateng, the Ghana ambassador to Belgium, viewed the facility as a significant milestone, underscoring Ghana’s dedication to achieving Sustainable Development Goals SDGs. 3 and 12.
The Kumasi Medical Waste Treatment facility is part of a broader initiative undertaken by the Jospong Group of companies in collaboration with the Ghanaian government. Their joint effort aims to establish 14 centralized medical waste treatment facilities throughout the country
The primary purpose of the Kumasi Medical waste treatment facility is to collect and treat hazardous healthcare waste components, including used syringes, blood-stained materials, pathological waste, COVID-19 waste, and waste from vaccination exercises. It serves all healthcare facilities within the region and its surrounding areas. The facility is equipped with two state-of-the-art Microwave Treatment Equipment that have a daily capacity to handle an average of 10,000kg (10 tonnes) of hazardous waste. This equipment not only effectively treats the waste but also recycles it, adding value and reducing the amount of waste destined for landfills.
The non-incineration technique employed by the equipment ensures there are no atmospheric pollutants released, promoting environmental health and safety.
In addition to the treatment equipment, the facility features a Coldroom for waste storage and specialized waste trucks for transporting medical waste from various healthcare facilities to the treatment site.
The facility also aligns with Ghana’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, specifically contributing to the goals related to environmental sustainability, health and decent work, and economic growth.
Overall, the facility plays a crucial role in addressing the proper management and treatment of hazardous healthcare waste in Ghana. By utilizing advanced technology, recycling capabilities, and adhering to environmental and safety standards, the facility contributes to the achievement of national and international sustainability goals.
