While providing essential transportation and waste management services, Ghana’s tricycle riders inadvertently contribute to noise pollution through loud horns due to frequent and prolonged honking to alert pedestrians and other vehicles, engines produce high decibel levels, especially when accelerating or carrying heavy loads and on top of it all, Some tricycles play loud music or make announcements, adding to the noise.
Ghana, a country vulnerable to climate change, is revolutionizing waste management with tricycles.
This innovative approach reduces greenhouse gas emissions and promotes sustainable development.
The Environmental Impact includes reducing emissions because tricycles replace fuel-guzzling trucks, decreasing CO2 emissions by 75%.
Also increased recycling especially Door-to-door collection encourages segregation, boosting recycling rates by 30% and Minimizing Waste Burning due to Regular collection which reduces open burning, decreasing air pollution.
Tricycle waste collection employs over 5,000 youth, empowering local communities and creating community Engagement through raising awareness about proper waste management, and promoting behavioral change.
Its economic Advantages are enormous spanning from being Cost-Effective as Tricycles reduce waste management costs by 40% and Stimulating Local Economies boosting tricycle manufacturing and maintenance to support Ghanaian industries.
Ghanaian Success Stories
In Accra, Tricycle waste collection covers 70% of the city, serving 2 million residents, the situation in Kumasi is also positive as tricycle-based waste collection increased recycling rates by 25%, while in Tamale, Tricycle waste collection created 500 jobs, reducing emissions by 20%.
Ghana’s tricycle waste collection initiative is a climate-smart solution, demonstrating environmental, social, and economic benefits.
By pedaling towards sustainable waste management, Ghana reduces greenhouse gas emissions, promotes recycling, minimizes waste empowers communities, and stimulates local economies.
The writer, Shadrach Kofi Assan, is the lead producer for Adom FM’s morning show, Dwaso Nsem.
Source: Shadrach Assan