By: Evans Osei-Bonsu
The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) under the leadership of Mayor Sam Pyne, has launched a ‘Holistic Reinforcement for Sustainable Development’ (HORESD) project, to aggressively overcome the sanitation menace that continues to plague the Kumasi City.
The HORESD project has been made possible through a grant from the European Union (EU) under the Local Authorities Partnerships for Sustainable Cities in 2021 and it has its central as ‘Keep Kumasi Clean; Let’s Recycle’.
Mayor Pyne in his address to the gathering during the official launch of the project noted that, the theme of the project directly resonates with his overarching mantra and vision of making Kumasi great again and living up to its name of being the cleanest city in Ghana and West Africa.
He remarked “The journey leading up to this momentous occasion began with a partnership between the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly and Mancomunitat de la Ribera Alta, supported by the European Union. Officially commencing in March 2022, the HORESD project has been a testament to the unwavering dedication of our teams who have tirelessly worked to transform our vision into reality. I express my heartfelt gratitude to the HORESD team, the Technical Working Group, the Territorial Management Group, the Community Agents of Change, as well as all the Departments, Technocrats, and various Associations who have made valuable contributions to this project.”
Mayor Pyne further highlighted the initial successes the project has recorded in its earlier inaugural and piloting stages.
“Allow me to highlight some key activities undertaken since the inauguration of this project. To achieve our goals, our Technical Working Group meticulously designed a comprehensive plan, which was evaluated by the Territorial Management Group. This plan has served as a roadmap for this initiative, guiding us efficiently and sustainably towards our aim of practicing waste segregation.
“With the project’s commitment to promoting the Circular Economy, waste pickers became the target since they serve as crucial contributors to our city’s cleanliness. These waste pickers were organized into various cooperatives and registered to empower them by giving them a platform to actively engage with the Assembly regarding future initiatives. This demonstrates the project’s dedication to social inclusion and its resolve to directly collaborate with marginalized to effect positive change in our society.
“We have also facilitated a significant community buy-back program, enabling aggregators to purchase recyclable materials from waste pickers. This initiative, not only promotes a cleaner environment but also supports the livelihoods of marginalized waste pickers. Additionally, our efforts have reached the hearts and minds of our residents. Further, we have conducted extensive awareness campaigns in the Central Business District, specifically Adum, to ensure widespread support for the project.”
“As you may be aware, 400 pieces of 1000-liter, 300 pieces of 240-liter, 300 pieces of 120-liter waste containers, and 8No. refuse collection trucks have been procured. Consequently, starting November 1, 2023, we will deploy this equipment to selected suburbs in Kumasi to initiate a pilot program for waste source-separation. This marks a significant milestone towards achieving a cleaner and more sustainable city. We once again express our appreciation to the European Union, MANRA, and CREA for their support in this project.”
The Kumasi Mayor further reiterated his commitment to live up to the billing to ensure that Kumasi becomes counted amongst the cleanest Cities in Africa, and the globe at large.
“Nananom, I humbly request your attention to emphasize our unwavering commitment to implementing the valuable lessons acquired during our study tour to Spain and Cape Verde, here in Kumasi. Our resolve finds expression in the Akan saying, “Y3 DE ABROKYIRE ABA GHANA” but this time around not anywhere but KMA “WHERE GHANA HAPPENS”. Our goal is to restore Kumasi to its former glory as the Garden City.”
Undoubtedly, this project is a new experience for KMA and other MMDAs. Nevertheless, I implore all of us to collaborate and ensure the success of this project. With our collective commitment and unwavering determination, we will overcome any challenge that may arise. Together, we will transform Kumasi into a model city in waste management, setting an example for others to follow.
To conclude, I would like to emphasize that today’s gathering marks not just the launch of a project, but the start of a movement. This movement is aimed at creating a cleaner and more sustainable Kumasi, where recycling is deeply ingrained in our daily lives. I urge each and every one of you here to actively participate rather than merely observe. Your support and cooperation are crucial for our success. Let us join hands and strive towards a Kumasi that we can truly be proud of, setting an example for other cities to follow. In the words of Mahatma Gandhi, a popular Indian lawyer and politician and I quote, “You must be the change you want to see in the world.” Together, let us bring about change and embrace recycling as a way of life.”
The program was held at the Kumasi Jubilee Park on Friday, October 27, 2023, and was well attended by Traditional leaders, high profile personalities, in the Metropolis, stakeholders and it enjoyed massive support from various Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies’ Chief Executives in the Ashanti region.
Source: Purefmonline.com || Evans Osei-Bonsu || 2023
