Caretaker Environment Minister Inspects Encroached GAEC Lands, E-Waste Recycling Centre
The Caretaker Minister for Environment, Hon. Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, on Thursday morning undertook a familiarization visit to encroached lands belonging to the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) and the E-Waste Recycling Centre at Kwabenya in Accra, as part of efforts to assess ongoing environmental and land-use challenges within the sector.
During the visit to the GAEC enclave, the Minister underscored that the lands are strategic state assets and not designated for public or private development. He reiterated his commitment to safeguarding the area against further encroachment, stressing that protecting the lands is critical to national security, scientific research, and long-term development planning.
At the E-Waste Recycling Centre, Hon. Buah was taken through the entire operational chain, including the collection of electronic waste, quality control procedures, and the buy-back system that incentivises the safe disposal of obsolete electronic equipment. The briefing highlighted the Centre’s role in reducing environmental pollution and creating green jobs, particularly for youth.
The Minister commended the management and workers of the facility for their contribution to environmentally sound waste management, noting that improper disposal of electronic waste poses serious health and environmental risks. He indicated that government remains committed to strengthening regulatory enforcement and supporting initiatives that promote recycling and circular economy practices.
Hon. Buah also called for enhanced public education on responsible e-waste disposal and stronger collaboration among government agencies, local authorities, and private sector actors. He said such partnerships are essential to scaling up recycling operations and ensuring that Ghana’s environmental protection policies translate into tangible benefits for communities and the broader economy.
