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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.
“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.
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.
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.
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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Demolition of Fantasy Dome unfair — 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.
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.
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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Youth urged to take proactive stance on ozone depletion
•Mr Joseph Amankwah, first counting from, some officials from EPA and UNDP in group picture with the student
Mr Joseph Amankwah, the Director of Ozone Layer and Climate Change at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has urged the youth to take a proactive stance on issues related to ozone depletion, emphasising that their future would be most affected by its consequences.
Speaking during a student engagement event at the Ghana Secondary School (GHANASS) in Koforidua, he highlighted the critical role young people played in tackling climate-related challenges.
Mr Amankwah explained that human activities, such as the use of certain chemicals, were significantly contributing to the depletion of the ozone layer and driving climate change.
He said it was important to educate the youth on these issues, encouraging them to share this knowledge with their families to foster a broader understanding and active participation in climate action.
He urged the education sector to integrate lessons on the ozone layer, the causes of its depletion, and its links to climate change into the curriculum.
The event, organised by the EPA in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), was designed to foster environmental awareness and promote a sense of responsibility among young people.
Mr Amankwah noted that ozone layer depletion was affecting everyone, including children, as it alters weather patterns and threatens the natural environment.
He highlighted the need for young people to develop ‘green skills’ to adapt to the challenges of climate change and to understand ways to combat it.
He added that World Ozone Day, observed every September, would focus on youth engagement in environmental issues, to help them understand the long-term consequences of ozone depletion and climate change.
Mr Amankwah also discussed the harmful impact of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), a major chemical contributor to ozone depletion.
He explained that household appliances such as refrigerators and air conditioners were common sources of CFC emissions in Ghana.
Many uncertified technicians work on these appliances, often releasing harmful chemicals into the atmosphere due to improper handling, he noted.
To address this, he urged appliance repairers to obtain proper certification and training, emphasising that unqualified repairs not only harm the environment but also endangered public health.
From Ama Tekyiwaa Ampadu Agyeman,
Koforidua
