Leonie Reese, Charge d’Affaires of the German Embassy in Ghana

Leonie Reese, the Charge d’Affaires of the German Embassy in Ghana, recently emphasized Germany's intent to collaborate with Ghana in transforming waste into economic value. At a National Plastics Policy Dialogue in Accra, Reese highlighted Germany's commitment to assisting Ghana in improving its plastic waste management practices. She argued that while Ghana already had some waste management ideas and expertise, stakeholders needed to evaluate why certain interventions were ineffective.

Reese stated that Germany suggested a three-pronged approach to waste management: avoidance, reuse, and recycling. The German embassy supported these actions through policies and systems that encouraged responsible waste management. One such example was their deposit-return system for plastic bottles, which incentivizes consumers to return empty bottles for a refund, thereby promoting high return rates.

Germany's EPR system, which holds producers accountable for their plastic products after sale, was another key factor in waste management. The embassy also stressed the importance of strict legislation, waste separation, and public education, noting that German households diligently separate plastic, paper, glass, and biodegradable waste to maximize recyclable material value.

Prof Nana Ama Browne Klutse, the Chief Executive Officer of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), echoed Reese's sentiments, emphasizing the urgency to implement Ghana's policies and strategies against plastic pollution. She pointed out that plastic pollution impacted public health, livelihoods, flooding, biodiversity, and the economy, particularly through the clogging of drains and waterways.

Browne Klutse urged stakeholders to collaborate and take responsibility for plastics and packaging in the market, while also investing in sustainable production, recycling, reuse, and circular economy solutions. She proposed viewing plastic waste as a raw material and an economic opportunity, capable of generating green jobs, recycling enterprises, innovation, and opportunities for young entrepreneurs. Browne Klutse stressed the importance of protecting Ghana's waterways and oceans from plastic pollution.