The quest to effectively manage waste in Sekondi-Takoradi prompted the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA) to apply for the C40 Cities Finance Facility to construct a biodigester and recycling plant, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while enhancing waste management efficiency in the Metropolis.

As part of the evaluation process, a Team from the Climate Finance Facility has visited the Metropolis to assess the waste management situation to inform their decision on the Assembly’s application.

Addressing the entry meeting with management of STMA and other waste management actors at the Assembly’s conference room, the National Coordinator of C40, Mr. Abraham Afful, mentioned that out of 207 applications received, only seven, were considered for validation and confirmation, of which STMA is part. He indicated that the proposal received from STMA was too good to be true; thus, their visit was to verify the information given to ascertain its credibility.

Citing the experience with the Accra Metropolitan Assembly in 2022, he indicated that AMA had land issues and could only manage 466 tons of refuse per day. He was therefore impressed by the volume of waste STMA manages, but indicated that exposed waste at the site has to be covered. He also called for the segregation of waste by households and requested management to ensure such segregation for easy recycling.

He further expressed the belief that the project has the potential to employ people, adding that building the capacity of officers as part of the project would ensure adequate human resources in the Metropolis to handle the waste situation.

The Metropolitan Chief Executive of STMA, Hon. Lawyer Fredrick Faustinus Faidoo, hinted that the proposed integrated biodigestion and recycling plant is a transformative solution, noting that the initiative aligns with Ghana's national climate goals and global efforts under the Paris Agreement towards sustainable, low-carbon urban development.

He explained that the Sofokrom landfill site exemplifies the Assembly’s systemic failures in operating the site without a gas collection system, leading to uncontrolled greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Adding “Methane and carbon dioxide releases from decomposing waste contribute significantly to the city's emissions, estimated at 225,000 Metric tons CO2 equivalent in 2024”.

He indicated that, without gas capture, the site amplifies climate impacts, underscoring the need for urgent intervention to prevent its escalation. He said the project seeks to divert waste from the landfill, eliminating uncontrolled GHG emissions and potentially reducing greenhouse gas emissions to an estimated 90,000 Metric tons CO2 equivalent.

Hon. Faidoo mentioned that the project holds both environmental, social and economic significance, which would mitigate pollution and align with Paris goals for zero-carbon transitions. He said it would also enhance public health, sustain agriculture via compost, empower the community and create jobs.