Empowering Ghana’s Informal Waste Sector: Miniplast Launches Capacity Strengthening Program
- Miniplast Ltd.
- Apr 2
- 2 min read
Miniplast is proud to announce the launch of a ground breaking capacity strengthening program aimed at empowering the informal waste sector in Ghana. With over 30 years of experience in plastic manufacturing and recycling, and a workforce of over 1,700 employees across our facilities in Accra, Kumasi, and Tamale, we are deeply committed to sustainable growth socially, environmentally, and economically. Each month, Miniplast recycles more than 1,500 tonnes of plastic waste, reinforcing our belief that sustainability and profitability can go hand in hand in Africa.
A Strategic Partnership for Impact
Since December 2024, we have been running a training program in partnership with the World Economic Forum (WEF) and the Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP). This program, which has received a sub-grant from the WEF and the GPAP, focuses on waste pickers, sorters, and aspiring entrepreneurs, especially women and youth, equipping them with the tools and knowledge needed to launch and scale circular businesses in the plastic waste sector.
Why This Program Matters
Plastic pollution remains a pressing issue in Ghana. Of the 0.84 million tonnes[1] of plastic waste generated annually (estimation by the Ghana NPAP in 2020), only 49% is collected, with just 14% recovered through informal systems. Alarmingly, only 9.5% of total plastic waste is actually recycled.
Informal waste workers play a critical role in Ghana’s environmental protection efforts. However, their contribution often goes unrecognized and unsupported. At Miniplast, we aim to change that by building both technical and business capacity among these workers, enabling them to improve their livelihoods and start sustainable ventures in waste management.
A Three-Part Training Model
The program is built around three tailored training modules:
Technical Skills Training 210 participants have received hands-on training in plastic identification, safe collection, sorting, and recycling techniques.
Entrepreneurship and Business Skills Training 50 entrepreneurs have been selected to develop business plans and learn financial management. In collaboration with Affinity Bank Ghana, these participants are also gaining access to credit opportunities to grow their businesses.
Gender and Youth Empowerment Scheduled for April, this module will focus on empowering 100 women and young people to build careers in the waste management industry.
The program has already seen impressive engagement, with participants sharing ideas, experiences, and aspirations forming a vibrant community of change-makers.
What’s Next for Miniplast
This program is only the beginning.
Miniplast envisions the creation of a Knowledge Hub for Circular Economy Innovation, where local entrepreneurs can receive mentorship, technical assistance, and even financial support through business incubation.
By investing in circular businesses, we are not only reducing environmental impact we are creating green jobs, advancing environmental awareness, and contributing to Ghana’s sustainable economic development.
We are excited to continue this journey and thank all our partners and participants for their commitment to building a greener, more inclusive future.
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