Report on the Commissioning Ceremony of the Waste Plastics Valorisation Facility for Fuel Production (Valoplastique) at Osu Alata

INTRODUCTION 

The Valoplastique Community Impact Project, spearheaded by the Institute of Applied Science and Technology, in collaboration with the French Embassy and the Office of the Member of Parliament of the Korle-Klottey Municipality, aims to address Ghana’s escalating plastic waster issue. This project seeks to reprocess plastic waste into high-value fuels and chemicals for households, outboard motors, and small engines. The initiative promises to provide sustainable solutions to environmental pollution, create employment opportunities, and promote economic growth through a green plastics circular economy.

This report provides a brief overview of the project and a summary of the commissioning ceremony of the Valoplastique Facility, which took place in Osu Alata community within the Korle-Klottey Municipality on November 22, 2024.

PROJECT OVERVIEW

The Valoplastique Project, officially known as the "Valorisation of Waste Plastics for Fuel Production," employs pyrolysis technology to convert plastic waste into usable fuels such as petrol, diesel, and LPG. The project’s pilot phase is being implemented in the fishing communities of the Korle-Clottey municipality in Osu. The goal is to demonstrate the practical application of waste plastic valorisation and its potential benefits for local communities.

Professor David Dodoo-Arhin, Director of IAST and Principal Investigator (PI) of the Valoplastique Project, at the launch of the project, highlighted that the initiative is not only a response to the pressing environmental challenges posed by plastic waste but also an opportunity for technology transfer and skill development. The project aims to equip unemployed youths with vocational training and business opportunities, thereby fostering entrepreneurship and reducing the menace of single-use plastic waste and marine litter.

THE COMMISSIONING CEREMONY

The commissioning ceremony, held at the Osu Alata Landing beach, brought various various stakeholders, including local government representatives, traditional leaders and members of the Osu community.

The Director of the Institute and Principal Investigator (PI) of the project, Prof. David Dodoo-Arhin expressed his pleasure in welcoming attendees to the official commissioning of the Valoplastique facility. He explained that this community impact project, launched earlier in the year, aims to remediate the plastic waste menace by reprocessing plastic waste into high-value fuels and chemicals suitable to households and outboard motors. He added this initiative employs a quadruple helix approach, fostering collaboration among Universities, Industries, Government stakeholders and the community stakeholders. Prof. Dodoo noted that the project seeks to make a significant contribution to the development of Ghana’s Green plastic circular economy and reduce single-use plastic waste. He extended gratitude to the French embassy for its commitment to fostering sustainable growth and environmental protection, as well as to the Member of Parliament, Dr. Zanetor Rawlings, along with traditional rulers and the community members for their support in making the project a success.

In conclusion, he acknowledged the team’s dedication and perseverance in overcoming initial challenges to establish the facility. He added that 35 individuals have received training in producing fuel from plastic waste.

Speaking on behalf of the Member of Parliament, Ms. Priscilla Carter shared her excitement about the commissioning of the Valoplastique facility, which is the first of its kind in both Ghana and West Africa. She shared her own experience as a trainee, noting that the project not only provides jobs for youth but also addresses the plastic pollution faced by local fishermen.

Mr. Alexander Amoah, on behalf of the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), conveyed the MCE’s enthusiasm for the project’s successful completion, recalling Prof. Dodoo-Arhin’s initial presentation to the team at the MCE’s office. Mr. Amoah reaffirmed the MCE’s interest and commitment to sustaining the project for the community’s long-term benefits.

Mr. Frederick Kenneth Appiah, Deputy Director of Renewables Energy Division of the Energy Commission, shared brief remarks on the Commission's support for the facility, noting it as a unique strategy for waste management. He highlighted the project’s alignment with the government’s energy transition framework aimed at achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, and the approach made by the ministry to develop the biofuel industry and this project fits in well. In conclusion, he emphasized the Commission’s intent to replicate similar initiatives nationwide.

In a brief remark by the Mr. Christopher Lartey, Acting Director of Ghana Innovation and Research Commercialization Centre, he stated that his centre seeks to commercialize innovations and research such as the Valoplastique project. He coommended the stakeholders on the facility’s establishment and assured Prof. Dodoo-Arhin of their support in replicating the project.

The chief of the Osu-Alata, Nii praised the project, highlighting its numerous benefits for the community and urging residents to stop littering with rubber and plastic waste and instead collect them for conversion into fuel that will support local fishermen. He commended Prof. Dodoo-Arhin for his dedication to bringing the project to Osu Alata. He further advised his community members to invest in their wards education to help build a better country.

After the remarks, 23 trainees received certificates for a successfully completing training in the production of fuel from wastes. Attendees of the commissioning event had the opportunity to tour the facility and witness a live demonstration of the entire production process, showcasing how plastic and rubber waste is transformed into fuel.

CONCLUSION

This initiative marks a significant step forward in Ghana’s commitment to sustainable plastic waste management and the promotion of a greener, more sustainable future for all.

GALLERY