The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) last Friday launched a waste segregation programme for basic public schools. The programme, dubbed ‘Mayor of Accra Initiative on Waste Segregation in Basic Schools Programme,’ would be piloted in the 67 public basic schools within the Osu Klottey Sub-metro.

The assembly would distribute 201 colour-coded bins branded with the various forms of waste to be segregated.

The project, which would be upscaled to all public basic schools after it has been successfully piloted, has Jekora Ventures Limited, the waste management company for the sub-metro, which has an existing track record for waste segregation, spearheading the implementation.

At a maiden head teachers’ meeting for the programme, the Mayor of Accra, Mohammed Nii Adjei Sowah, said the initiative formed part of the efforts by government to make Accra one of the cleanest cities in Africa.

He added that training programmes would be organised for the teachers during the pilot stages. He further stated that because children put into practice the knowledge they acquire during their formative period, there was the need for teachers to shape the attitude of pupils to become ambassadors of sanitation.

To actualise the clean city agenda, the assembly has adopted a four-pronged approach, which focuses on education, enforcement, provision of infrastructure and equipment, and operational strategy, which he announced in his sessional address to the general assembly to address sanitation-related matters in Accra. He urged the teachers to enhance civic education to enable their pupils become responsible citizens.

The Managing Director for Jekora Ventures Limited, Mr Immanuel Nartey-Tokoli, said the mayor’s initiative was timely, and as such more than 80 per cent of waste sent to landfill sites could be diverted, with the organic part turned into compost while plastic and paper could be recycled for the production of other usable materials.

He added that waste segregation required education, provision of infrastructure and equipment in order to ensure its success. He called for waste to be managed in such a manner to avoid any negative health implications.

The head teachers expressed appreciation for the introduction of the programme and assured the assembly of their commitment and support, with a promise to create awareness in their respective schools and the community at large.