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Jospong breaks into Africa… signs deal to build waste treatment plants in Lagos State, Nigeria

The Jospong Group of Companies (JCG) has entered into agreement with the Lagos State Government through the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources to build waste treatment plants in Lagos, Nigeria.

The integrated waste treatment facility will help to transform the environmental situation of Africa’s most populous city.

The landmark agreement was formalised with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Jospong Group of Companies led by its Executive Chairman, Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong and the Honourable Commissioner of the Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, Hon. Tokunbo Wahab in Lagos on Monday February 26, 2024.

The Executive Chairman of Jospong Group, Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong, in a remark, assured that, JCG is in Nigeria to help the State and also share knowledge and expertise in waste management and treatment.

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“We have learned a lot of lessons from Ghana and we are here to share our technical and operational expertise to help improve the sanitation landscape of Lagos State,” he emphasised.

The Executive Chairman also assured the upstream operators (collectors) of Lagos that the company will partner and collaborate with them as well as support them with equipment to make their work much more effective and efficient.

The Lagos State Commissioner of the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources Hon. Tokunbo Wahab, noted that by the agreement, Lagos State is showcasing its commitment to a crucial aspect of environmental services through a Public Private Partnership arrangement.

“We are utilising a PPP arrangement to address our waste management challenges effectively,” he stated.

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He noted that the arrangement also includes exploring ways to convert its waste into valuable resources.

“Our goal is a cleaner, greener and prosperous Lagos. And we are fostering a conducive environment for the private sector to thrive,” he stated.

He was of the view that Lagos State must find value in its waste instead of wasting it.

The Consul General of the Ghana Consulate in Lagos, HE Hajia Samata Gifty Bukari, asured the partners, Jospong Group and the Lagos State Environment and Water Resources of her support to ensure the success of the partnership.

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Per the MoU, Jospong Group will establish a Material Recovery Facility; Mobile Transfer loading stations; Repurposing of current Olusosun landfill, Supply of self-tipping tricycles; and Bin manufacturing and plastic recycling plant to streamline recyclable activities.

Additionally, this proposed well proven sustainable solution to environmental sanitation will go a long way to boost Nigeria’s carbon ratings to enable it raise needed funds to build more sustainable infrastructure.

According to a report by the Lagos State Waste Management Agency, Lagos State produces approximately 13,000 tons of waste per day.

The consequences of poor sanitation are dire, ranging from the spread of waterborne diseases to environmental degradation, and disproportionately affecting the most vulnerable segments of our society, including women, children, and the elderly.

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In Ghana, JCG has established 58 sustainable sanitation infrastructures for liquid, medical, plastics, and municipal solid waste including 16 integrated recycling and compost plants. These plants produce compost which is also helping to boost the agricultural sector of the economy.

The Jospong Group delegation included the Executive Director of the Processing Cluster of the Jospong Group, Mr Haidar Saed, advisory Board Members of Group, Madam Gifty Boi-Bi-Boi, Mr. Emmanuel Otchere Okomeng, the Chief Corporate Communications Officer-JCG, Madam Sophia Kudjordji, head of legal, Madam Gloria Boafo -Arthur Benneh, the MD of Sewage Systems Ghana, Mrs. Florence Cobbold, Managing Director at Waste Landfills Company Limited, Mr. Peter Dagadu, and some other members.

The Nigerian delegation which was led by the Honourable Commissioner for the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources also consisted of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment, Mr. Olakunle Rotimi Akodu,
The Permanent Secretary of the Office of Drainage Services & Water Resources, Ing. Mahamood Olakunle Adegbite, the General Manager, Lagos State Wastewater Management Office (LASWAMO), DR. Ign Femi Afolabi and the National executives of the association of Waste Managers of Nigeria.

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ASWIM lauds Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang

The Association of Women in the Media, (ASWIM) has congratulated Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang on her historic achievement as Ghana’s first female Vice President.

The association said her trailblazing journey with sterling accomplishments from academia to politics, is undoubtedly, a vivid inspiration to countless women and girls across Ghana and Africa.

This was contained in a statement signed by its president, Mrs Mavis Kitcher, and copied to The Spectator on Tuesday in Accra.

“ASWIM celebrates your remarkable career, marked by numerous firsts, including the first female Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, (UCC), and the first female to hold a professional chair in Ghana, (UCC),” the statement said.

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It said the accomplishments of Prof Opoku- Agyemang were clear testament to the brilliance, resilience and resourceful nature of the complete beautiful African woman.

“As she takes on this new role, ASWIM proudly lauds her commitment to education, women’s empowerment, distinguished public service and patriotism and is very confident that her pursuit of excellence, love for humanity, humility, decency, modesty and commitment to the welfare of the vulnerable will characterise Ghana’s political leadership and public service,” the statement added.

 By Jemima Esinam Kuatsinu

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Demolition of Fantasy Dome unfair — Mark Okraku-Mantey

• Mark Okraku Mantey
• Mark Okraku Mantey

 Months after the Fantasy Dome was dismantled to make way for construction at the Ghana International Trade Fair site, the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr Mark Okraku-Mantey, has expressed con­cern over the manner the facility was destroyed.

In an interview on Daybreak Hitz with Andy Dosty, Mr Okraku-Mantey criticised the handling of the dome’s dismantling, suggesting that it could have been done without causing damage.

“I don’t think that leadership gave instructions that they should do what happened. The structure was a prefab but I hear the peo­ple destroyed it. That one, we cannot defend it. It is unfair to him (owner). Sometimes, you give instructions and people will go and do things that will make you look bad,” he stated.

When asked about any punitive measure against the workers responsible for the destruction, Mr Okraku-Mantey clarified that the Trade Fair does not fall under his ministry.

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He said he had previously con­tacted the owner, Leslie Quaynor, to discuss relocating the dome, and even suggested the National Museum as a potential site, though it was too small.

The demolition of the 20,000-seat­er Fantasy Dome occurred on March 16, 2024.

According to Dr Agnes Adu, CEO of the Ghana Trade Fair Company Limit­ed, the action was taken after multiple notic­es were given to Quaynor to vacate the premises for redevelopment, as per their tenancy agreement.

Dr Adu noted that all previous tenants had complied except for the Fantasy Dome.

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Quaynor, in an interview with JoyNews, confirmed that his lease had ended, and was in the process of relocating the dome.

He had requested an extension, which was denied, leading him to seek a writ and an injunction from an Accra High Court to halt the demolition.

Despite this, the demolition pro­ceeded, causing significant damage to the structure.

Quaynor described the incident as a major setback, not only for his busi­ness but also for the entertainment industry, which relies on venues like the Fantasy Dome.

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