Takoradi: Mr Eric Gyenin, the Country Coordinator for the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), has identified the transition from a linear to a circular economy as a potential solution to Ghana’s youth unemployment challenge, while also promoting environmental responsibility. Speaking on the Ghana Circular Economy Centre (GCEC) Project, Mr Gyenin highlighted the transformative potential of this initiative.
According to Ghana News Agency, the GCEC Project, spearheaded by UNIDO in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology and funded by Global Affairs Canada, is a five-year endeavor aimed at facilitating Ghana’s shift towards a circular economy. This transition focuses on economic and environmental sustainability within the agriculture, agro-processing, textiles, and plastics sectors.
The project is structured around five core pillars: establishing a physical circular economy centre, providing training and capacity building for women and youth, offering technical assistance for circular economy technologies and businesses, ensuring access to financial support for innovative projects, and promoting networking and knowledge exchanges on best practices.
The Ho Technical University will host the centre, with the University of Cape Coast, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, and the OR Foundation playing significant roles in the implementation process. Mr Gyenin emphasized that the initiative could significantly address unemployment in Ghana by fostering inclusive growth, unlocking investment opportunities, and creating jobs through sustainable practices.
By transitioning to a circular economy, more individuals will find employment within the value chain of targeted sectors, as waste materials are reintegrated into production processes. Mr Gyenin described the project as a crucial tool in job creation and economic inclusivity.
Further, he noted that moving towards a circular economy would enhance Ghana’s industrialisation efforts and support inclusive economic growth, particularly benefiting women, youth, and the informal sector. He expressed confidence that the project could support the government’s 24-Hour Economy policy, emphasizing that a circular approach is essential for round-the-clock economic activity and efficient resource use.