The President of Zimbabwe, Emmerson Mnangagwa, has toured the Accra Compost and Recycling Plant (ACARP) as part of his state visit to Ghana, describing the facility as a model for transforming sanitation challenges into economic opportunities through technology and innovation.
During the visit on Thursday, President Mnangagwa emphasized the need for African countries to embrace modern waste management systems to improve public health, create jobs, and enhance environmental sustainability.
He noted that advances in technology are reshaping the waste management sector, creating avenues for value addition and employment, particularly for the youth.
“African countries must leverage knowledge, build local capacity, and adopt efficient systems that improve public health while generating employment,” he stated.
The Zimbabwean leader also highlighted the importance of strategic partnerships, citing the collaboration between the Jospong Group of Companies and Zimbabwe’s Geo Pomona Waste Management as a strong example of what can be achieved through a shared vision.
His visit followed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Zoomlion Ghana Limited and Geo Pomona Waste Management (Pvt) Ltd.
The agreement outlines cooperation in key areas including waste collection, processing, recycling, and disposal.
It also provides for the sharing of technology, equipment, and expertise to improve efficiency and promote sustainable waste management practices.
The partnership is expected to strengthen waste management infrastructure, reduce environmental impact, and support cleaner communities in both countries.
Minister for Labour, Dr. Abdul-Rashid Hassan Pelpuo, who also toured the facility, expressed satisfaction with working conditions at the plant.
He noted that interest in sanitation-related jobs is increasing, with more young people showing willingness to work in the sector due to improved structures and dignified conditions.
Earlier, Executive Chairman of the Jospong Group of Companies, Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong, said the engagement reflects growing cooperation between Ghana and Zimbabwe.
He indicated that the Group operates 76 subsidiaries across 16 sectors and remains committed to delivering African solutions to African challenges.
A technical briefing to the Zimbabwean delegation revealed that the plant has the capacity to process up to 1,200 metric tonnes of municipal solid waste daily.
Using a system of conveyors, shredders, and screening units, recyclable materials are separated while organic waste is processed into compost for agricultural use.
During the tour, President Mnangagwa inspected the control room and key operational areas, including sorting lines, composting tunnels, and monitoring systems.
He also interacted with engineers and technical staff to better understand the plant’s operations.
The Ghana–Zimbabwe partnership is expected to facilitate the transfer of technology and expertise to improve sanitation systems in Harare, while promoting a circular economy and sustainable job creation.
The visit ended with renewed commitment from both countries to deepen bilateral cooperation in environmental management and industrial development.
ACARP is one of several state-of-the-art waste management facilities operated by the Jospong Group across Ghana.
