The ‘Strong Together’ project, a collaboration between Plan International Ghana and Safisa Ghana Limited, seeks to tackle open defecation, improper waste disposal, and environmental degradation in Ashaiman.
During Plan International Ghana’s annual media training workshop in Ho, project manager Daniel Selassie revealed that the initiative focuses on three main areas: health, the environment, and economic opportunities.
He explained that the project leverages Safisana Ghana Limited’s waste processing expertise to collect both fiscal and organic waste from the Ashaiman community, converting it into biogas, electricity, and organic fertilizers. These fertilizers are then distributed to local farmers, promoting sustainable agriculture and providing economic benefits.
Selassie emphasized that the project’s impact goes beyond waste management, addressing the root causes of open defecation, air and water pollution, and poor waste management in the community.
“As we improve health by collecting waste and transforming it, we are reducing the challenges tied to waste management and its health implications. We are also improving the environment,” he stated. “Some community members were unaware of how to manage their toilet facilities, and market women struggled to liaise with the Assembly about waste collection. Even the Assembly officials consider this one of the best projects they’ve been involved with,” he added.
To ensure success, the project team engages with key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Environment. They also train young people as Sanitation Ambassadors, empowering them to advocate for proper hygiene practices and waste management.
Additionally, the entrepreneurship component provides green skills training for young women and girls, creating economic opportunities.
Demo plots have been established to show the benefits of organic fertilizers, while farmers receive equipment and training to manage their toilet facilities effectively.
Looking to scale the project, the team calls on stakeholders to support their efforts in expanding its impact beyond Ashaiman.
“Globally, around 500 million people struggle with improper waste management, and 1.5 billion are affected by open defecation. We aim to make a significant difference and hope to declare Ashaiman ‘Open Defecation Free’ soon,” Selassie concluded.
