2023 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE

Transitioning to a circular economy can create green job opportunities to curb the alarming rate of youth unemployment in Ghana. Shifting towards a circular economy can create jobs in recycling, remanufacturing, renewable energy, and sustainable product design while promoting environmental sustainability and addressing unemployment. Thus, stakeholder engagements to discuss the various perspectives on circular economy transition are key to inclusively harnessing its gains. As such, the FES-EPCC, together with the University of Environment and Sustainable Studies, organized the 3rd Sustainable Development Conference from 19th – 22nd July 2023 at the Volta Serene Hotel, Ho, on the theme: Circular Economy Transition for Accelerated Green Job Opportunities to afford various stakeholders – Trade Unionists, Academia, CSOs, political actors and state actors - the avenue to discuss diverse opinions on Circular Economy Transition in Ghana.

Stakeholders discussed issues relating to redesigning the value chain; education and sensitization to build commitments towards the transition to a circular economy; a coherent and solution-oriented approach which aligns policies with circular economy efforts; funding and financial mechanisms for circular economy initiatives; laws and regulations related to waste management and circular economy initiatives, the role of policymakers in setting the regulatory framework and providing necessary support, the role of the private sector to leverage its resources and expertise to drive circular economy practices, and the energy mix, essential for the successful implementation of circular economy principles. A field visit as part of the Sustainable Development Conference, to a Waste Management Company – Jekora Ventures – also afforded stakeholders the opportunity to discuss challenges that could affect the circular economy transition and offer recommendations for its successful implementation in Ghana.

Summary points for policy recommendation:

• Effective information dissemination to foster broader adoption of circular economy principles in Ghana’s development
• Promote sustainable land use practices to help absorb carbon emissions and support biodiversity
• Support waste management and recycling initiatives 
• Standardize recycled products to ensure consumer trust and sustainability
• Dovetail into policies and strategies the involvement of women in the circular economy
• Strengthen collaboration among various stakeholders to ensure a coordinated approach to implementing circular practices and foster a supportive ecosystem for the circular economy to flourish