…To draw attention to climate change devastation

Two Ghanaian institutions took part in an exhibition in Durban during the United Nation Conference on climate change COP17 to draw attention to the devastation of climate change.

Zoomlion Ghana limited, the number one waste management company in Ghana and Abantu for development, a Non-Governmental organization working for women empowerment, displayed initiatives to address waste towards clean, healthy and sustained environment and products of Bolgatanga women in basketry and the challenges due to climate change impact respectively.
The Minster for Environment, Science and Technology, Ms. Sherry Ayittey who led Ghana’s delegation to the conference visited the stands of the two Ghanaian exhibitors and commended them for their commitment in the effort to make the fight on climate change resilient.
At the Zoomlion stand, the minister said the company has contributed enormously to address the sanitation situation through waste management and other initiatives for clean environment.
According to her, the recycle project of the company is part of government’s initiative to mitigate the impact of climate change through methane reduction in the atmosphere.
At the Abantu for Development stand, the minister expressed worry about how climate change is impacting on women who are engaged in basketry production in Bolgantaga, who once had viable, profitable and sustainable incomes.
According to her, the social and economic lives of these women have been jeopardized because raw materials are now scarce and difficult to obtain, thus eroding incomes in the face of high production cost.
‘Raw materials for the baskets used to be in abundance but are now becoming extinct due to climate change effect of high temperature rise and drought in the area.’
She encouraged all to be part of the effort to adopt sustainable environmental practices to improve vegetation to fight poverty and hunger. The vulnerability of climate change is visible, she said.
Zoomlion’s stand showcased the company’s achievements and contribution towards a clean, healthy and sustainable environment in the area of the Eco brigade initiative, afforestation project and the composite and recycle plant.
Welcoming the minister to the stand, George Nana Kwesi Rockson, Head, Composite and Recycling unit expressed the company’s appreciation for her visit.
These initiatives, according to him, are aimed at helping reduce atmospheric gases, create clean beaches and ensure good sanitation practices.
In an interview with the paper, George Rockson underscored the need for effective and sustainable waste management through public education, provision of incentives and legislation.
He urged Ghanaians to consider issues of waste as issues of health and productivity.

Ms. sherry Ayittey and Mrs Angelina Mensa, Head of public Affairs, EPA at the Abantu Stand in Durban, South Africa