Turning plastic waste into bricks, the inspiring story of Nelson Boateng
About 2.58 million metric tonnes of raw plastics are imported into Ghana annually, and 73% of that ends up as waste, while only 19% is re-used, according to the EPA
Nelson Boateng, the chief executive of Nelplast Eco Ghana Ltd has called for support to expand his operations in a bid to solve the plastic waste menace in Ghana.
The company currently specialises in turning used plastic bags into pavement blocks that can be used to build roads and houses.
It has initiated moves to enter into a partnership with the Sekondi Takoradi Municipal Assembly (STMA) to train over 100 youth in how to use plastics to build toilets.
About 2.58 million metric tonnes of raw plastics are imported into Ghana annually, and 73% of that ends up as waste, while only 19% is re-used, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Appearing on the Asaase Breakfast Show on Wednesday (23 August), Boateng said his outfit requires US$2 million to enable it to process the 20,000 kilos of plastics daily.
“Plastic is a global problem and Ghana alone is producing over 1.5 million tonnes a year and only 5% is being recycled, so for me I don’t think I can tackle the plastic problem alone,” Boateng said.
“Currently, we are done signing a contract with the Sekondi Takoradi Municipal Assembly (STMA) to train over 100 people on how to use these plastics to build toilet, so there is nothing I am hiding,” he added.
“We have applied and received several funds, but it is not enough to move us to the next stage,” Boateng said. “We are looking at US$2 million to be able to recycle the 20,000 kilos of plastics we receive on daily basis. We are not doing this to compete with the cement industry, our purpose is to keep this plastic waste off the street.”
Watch the full interview in the attached video clip below:
Reporting by Fred Dzakpata in Accra
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