The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has announced plans to construct a source-separated organic waste composting plant at Ring Road West in the Ablekuma South Sub-Metropolitan District, as part of its broader efforts to address climate change and improve waste management in the city.

Speaking at a stakeholder validation workshop held at City Hall on Friday, the Director of Waste Management at AMA, Engineer Solomon Noi, said the initiative was a key component of the city's Climate Action Plan explaining that the plant was expected to significantly reduce the volume of waste sent to landfill sites and limit the emission of harmful greenhouse gases such as methane.

“We are following through with our Climate Action Plan, which aims to divert at least half of our municipal waste from landfill sites by 2030. Organic waste in landfills produces methane, which contributes significantly to global warming. Composting is a better solution,” Mr. Noi said.

He noted that the Assembly would begin by promoting two-way waste separation, encouraging residents to separate their waste into wet (organic) and dry (recyclable) streams.

According to him, this strategy would improve the efficiency of waste collection and processing while minimising environmental harm.

Mr. Noi stressed that the AMA was stepping in to address a gap left by the private sector, which he said had largely overlooked organic waste composting due to perceived lack of profitability.

“As a city, we are leading the way by starting with wet waste. This will leave the dry waste to the private sector, who can then recover clean recyclables and create value,” he said.

He revealed that the Assembly’s approach would enhance the value of recyclables, thereby benefiting informal waste pickers.

He said the AMA intends to build buy-back centres and recycling plants where these pickers can work in safe and dignified conditions, with access to protective equipment and changing rooms.

The Director also disclosed that the compost generated from the new plant would support urban farming initiatives.

“With nutrient-rich compost, people can grow healthy vegetables in their backyards,” he said.

Ing.Noi added that the Assembly was also introducing on-site anaerobic digestion systems for homes, offices, and institutions, allowing them to manage organic waste at the point of generation.

"For larger markets producing significant waste volumes, he said, adding that off-site digestion facilities would be constructed to convert the waste into biogas and compostable materials.

Senior Project Adviser to the C40 Cities Finance Facility (CFF), Mr. Abraham Afful, said the composting initiative aligns directly with the city’s climate goals, supporting public health, environmental protection, and economic growth.

“This initiative will not only reduce emissions but also strengthen environmental sanitation and climate resilience across the city,” he stated.

Mr. Afful indicated that the project was expected to create substantial employment opportunities in waste management, particularly in waste collection and transportation, recycling, and compost production.

 While underscoring the importance of community engagement, Mr Afful said the  ''validation workshop brings together technical experts, regulatory authorities, researchers, residents, and all relevant stakeholders, ensuring that everyone’s concerns and suggestions are considered,” he added.

“Our goal is to make sure the final design reflects the needs of Accra’s people while delivering strong climate and public health benefits,” he added.

The initiative is a major component of the city's Climate Action Plan, which aims to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills by diverting organic waste to composting and is expected to create between 800 and 1,300 job-years, mainly in the areas of waste collection, recycling, and compost production.                                                                                                              

 According to projections, if implemented over 25 years, the project could help Accra avoid the release of an estimated one million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent in greenhouse gas emissions.

The event was attended by stakeholders, including representatives from the School of Hygiene, Fisheries Commission, Environmental Protection Agency, Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Integrated Recycling and Composting Plant, Ghana National Fire Service, Ghana Water Company, Sister Assemblies, Unit Committee and Assembly Members, and staff of the AMA.