On March 19, 2025, a delegation from the Korea Environmental Industry and Technology Institute (KEITI) paid a courtesy call on Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, Ghana’s Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs (MLGCRA), to discuss ongoing environmental initiatives and future collaboration.
The KEITI delegation, led by Dr. Hong Seok Kim, Chief Representative of KEITI’s Ghana office, expressed gratitude for the warm reception. Since opening its office in Ghana in April 2024, KEITI has been working closely with various Ghanaian ministries, particularly with the erstwhile Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources (MSWR), to address critical environmental issues. Dr. Kim highlighted the importance of continued cooperation to tackle waste management challenges and foster sustainable development in Ghana.
The delegation shared details about the upcoming Korea-Africa Environmental Cooperation Forum, which will be held in June 2025. This forum will bring together 80 participants from six African countries and South Korea, creating an opportunity for knowledge-sharing and collaboration on environmental matters. KEITI requested the Ministry’s support and participation in the event, which is expected to strengthen ties between Ghana and South Korea in the field of environmental sustainability.
Discussions also covered the progress of ongoing projects, including the feasibility studies for integrated solid waste management facilities in five coastal cities: Takoradi, Cape Coast, Accra, Tema, and Keta. These projects aim to develop sustainable waste management systems in Ghana’s urban centers.
Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim thanked the KEITI delegation for their ongoing partnership and emphasized the importance of the Pre-feasibility Study on Textile Waste Recycling, launched in November 2024. This study is addressing the growing concern of textile waste and will provide valuable insights into the potential for recycling in Ghana and across the African continent.
The Minister reiterated Ghana’s commitment to establishing a circular economy and becoming a leader in sustainable waste management in West Africa. He also announced plans for a regional workshop on waste management and circular economy practices, set to take place in Accra in August 2025.
Hon. Ibrahim assured the KEITI delegation that the Ministry is committed to furthering its cooperation with KEITI and other stakeholders to strengthen Ghana’s waste management systems and environmental sustainability efforts. He expressed optimism that this partnership will continue to generate meaningful outcomes for both countries.