Parliamentary Select Committee on Water and Sanitation describes Volta as cleanest region visited so far

The Parliamentary Select Committee on Water and Sanitation has hailed the Volta Region as the cleanest region visited to date during its ongoing monitoring tour of sanitation and waste management facilities across Ghana. The commendation was made after the Committee toured the Ho Integrated Recycling and Compost Plant (IRECOP) in Akrofu-Agorve on the first day of a two-day visit focused on sanitation and waste management in the Volta and Oti regions.

The Committee, chaired by John Oti Bless, a Member of Parliament for Nkwanta North, observed significant sanitation issues across various parts of the country during its eight visits so far. Mr. Oti Bless specifically praised the Volta Region, stating that it stands out as the cleanest region among those they have examined. This assessment is part of the Parliament's responsibility to oversee the condition of sanitation and waste management infrastructure, engaging with operators and stakeholders to address sector challenges.

The Committee commended the region's sanitation efforts but encouraged the media and other stakeholders to intensify public education and advocacy efforts to maintain and enhance sanitation standards. A visit to the IRECOP plant provided the Committee an opportunity to observe how waste in the region is processed and transformed into reusable resources.

IRECOP operates a 600-metric-tonne facility capable of sorting and recovering materials such as plastics, metals, organic waste, and paper. It also manages a recyclable materials bank, engages in plastic pre-processing, and produces compost. The company highlights that its operations contribute to job creation, support local economic activities, conserve resources, and help mitigate environmental degradation and pollution.

The Committee Chairman reiterated the Committee’s support for the proposed National Sanitation Authority Bill, noting that stakeholders in the sanitation sector have expressed support for establishing a dedicated body to improve sanitation management in Ghana. The Volta Region's recognition by the Committee comes as the region continues to enhance its waste collection, recycling, and disposal systems.

Stakeholders in the region are calling for ongoing public participation and stronger institutional support to maintain the sanitation improvements achieved so far.