Africa’s leading waste management company, Zoomlion Ghana Limited has advocated for community-driven and gender-inclusive waste management as a critical solution for climate action.
Representing the company at the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, Mr. James Deku, Communications Officer of Zoomlion Ghana Limited, stressed the need for an integrated waste management approach that includes communities, women, and vulnerable groups in the global climate response. He spoke on the theme: “Community-Driven and Gender-Inclusive Approaches to Waste Management for Climate Action.”
Waste Management & Climate Change
Mr. Deku highlighted that the waste sector is one of the largest contributors of methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas driving climate change. He emphasised the urgency of managing waste sustainably to reduce emissions while improving livelihoods.
“Zoomlion’s waste management model is designed to reflect the interests of all stakeholders. Through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, local authorities actively engage community members to clean their environment using simple, practical technologies,” he explained.
Empowering Women & Vulnerable Groups
Mr. Deku further noted that women are at the forefront of waste management in Ghana, beginning from the household level. Thousands of women are employed by Zoomlion to clean principal streets across the country, while unskilled youth are trained and empowered with technical expertise to lead waste initiatives in their communities.
This inclusive approach, he said, not only improves sanitation and climate resilience but also creates jobs for women, youth, and vulnerable groups.
Turning Waste into Resources
He also stated that Zoomlion’s massive investments in waste treatment and recycling plants are helping transform waste into valuable resources such as compost, energy, and recycled plastics. This innovation reduces the release of greenhouse gases while contributing to Ghana’s circular economy and sustainable development goals.
Recognition at COP 29
Commending Zoomlion’s efforts, Dr. Sahar Sohail, an environmental scientist and member of the Pakistan delegation to COP 29, described the company’s model as a best practice in inclusive waste management.
“The lessons from Zoomlion Ghana Limited, part of the Jospong Group of Companies, provide valuable opportunities for international collaboration to solve waste management challenges,” Dr. Sohail stated.
About COP 29
The Conference of the Parties (COP) is the supreme decision-making body of the UNFCCC, where world leaders and signatories of the Paris Agreement meet annually to accelerate global climate action. COP 29 brought together governments, private sector leaders, and civil society to advance solutions for climate resilience and carbon reduction.
Story Credit: Idris Adam
