EU partners government to launch Circular Economy Competition

The European Union (EU) in partnership with the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology has launched the 2nd edition of the Circular Economy Competition to support Ghana’s gradual transition to a circular economy.

The Circular economy competition is a contest that helps small businesses and start-ups in the circular economy in Ghana to become visible and to grow and to accelerate the transition to a greener, circular economy.

Speaking at the Circular Economy Conference in Accra, the Minister of Environment, Science, Technology, Dr. Kwaku Afriyie highlighted the need for Ghana to activate circular principles to maximize economic gains.

“As Ghana seeks to diversify its economy, create export revenue and improve labour and capital productivity, it is also aiming to become a global leader in the transition to circular economy,” he said.

He reminded stakeholders about the need for all to contribute to environmental protection by thinking and acting circular at all times.

“Transitioning to a circular economy will be advantageous to Ghana and will help the country generate green decent jobs, reduce inequality, minimize the impact of climate change on the environment and provide the economy with a competitive advantage,’’ he added.

On his part, the European Union Ambassador to Ghana, Irchad Razaaly said: “Africa is stepping up as a major partner to the EU to achieve these joint ambitions with a growing number of African countries embracing a circular economy model. The benefits of a circular economy transition in Africa are clear. A continental study shows that even by adopting a small set of circular economy measures, Africa could increase its combined GDP by 2.2% and create 11 million additional jobs by 2030”.